The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another. Fain would the guilty ransom himself from the torment of that Day by his children. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 save those that pray 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (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 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35