The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his 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 kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 save those that pray 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 and guard their private parts 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 who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35