The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35