The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35