The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 sheltered him. 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35