The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35