The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 and guard their private parts 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35