The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but, We see it as near! 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Except those who pray, 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35