The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35