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 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure 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 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 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 and his spouse and his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 and all those on earth. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 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 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35