The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35