The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35