The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 A remover of exteriors. 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 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35