The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From Allah, Owner 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 be patient with gracious patience. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and those who 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 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35