The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A questioner asked of a chastisement about to fall 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the heaven shall become like unto dregs of oil. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 and guard their private parts 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35