The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 except those that pray 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Are free of blame, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35