The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, 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 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and 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 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35