The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but We see it near at hand. 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 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty 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 all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those who pray, 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35