The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
ONE who is minded to ask might ask about the suffering which [in the hereafter] is bound to befall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 from punishing them. He is the 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 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 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 be like wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35