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 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35