The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 And We see it nigh. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 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 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 Except those who pray, 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35