The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment 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, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Are free of blame, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35