The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 Though they shall be made to see one another. Fain would the guilty ransom himself from the torment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 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 use)! 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except those who pray, 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 who guard their privates 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 whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35