The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 for the beggar and the outcast, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35