Surah 70 - Al Ma'arij THE WAYS OF ASCENT

070.001 A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall-

070.002 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,-

070.003 (A Penalty) from God, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.

070.004 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years:

070.005 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment).

070.006 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event):

070.007 But We see it (quite) near.

070.008 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass,

070.009 And the mountains will be like wool,

070.010 And no friend will ask after a friend,

070.011 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,

070.012 His wife and his brother,

070.013 His kindred who sheltered him,

070.014 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him:

070.015 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!-

070.016 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!-

070.017 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right).

070.018 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)!

070.019 Truly man was created very impatient;-

070.020 Fretful when evil touches him;

070.021 And niggardly when good reaches him;-

070.022 Not so those devoted to Prayer;-

070.023 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;

070.024 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right.

070.025 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking);

070.026 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;

070.027 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,-

070.028 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;-

070.029 And those who guard their chastity,

070.030 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed,

070.031 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;-

070.032 And those who respect their trusts and covenants;

070.033 And those who stand firm in their testimonies;

070.034 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;-

070.035 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss).

070.036 Now what is the matter with the Unbelievers that they rush madly before thee-

070.037 From the right and from the left, in crowds?

070.038 Does every man of them long to enter the Garden of Bliss?

070.039 By no means! For We have created them out of the (base matter) they know!

070.040 Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West that We can certainly-

070.041 Substitute for them better (men) than they; And We are not to be defeated (in Our Plan).

070.042 So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play about, until they encounter that Day of theirs which they have been promised!-

070.043 The Day whereon they will issue from their sepulchres in sudden haste as if they were rushing to a goal-post (fixed for them),-

070.044 Their eyes lowered in dejection,- ignominy covering them (all over)! such is the Day the which they are promised!