The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers – the punishment that none can avert. 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all those on earth. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35