The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 who guard their carnal desires 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 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35