The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 they see it as being far off; 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 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 guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35