The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a 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 His wife and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35