The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35