The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 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 whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35