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 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but, We see it as near! 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 and guard their private parts 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35