The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 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 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it very near. 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 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 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 those who preserve their chastity 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35