The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 who guard their privates 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35