The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the 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 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 But We see it very near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and guard their private parts 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35