The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after 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 his wife, 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 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35