The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 But not so the worshippers 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35