The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those that pray 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35