The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35