The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 His wife and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35