The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 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 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered 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 Dragging by the head, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35