The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35