The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Eager to roast; 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Are free of blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35