The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
There hath asked an asker for the torment about to befall. 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Save worshippers. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear 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 in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35