The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

70. THE WAYS OF ASCENT
A Meccan sura that describes the Day of Judgement (verses 8–18). One of the
opponents of the Prophet challenged him to hasten the punishment they had
been threatened with (verse 1), so the foolishness of the disbelievers in denying
the Resurrection (verse 6) is exposed (verses 36–44). The people who will be
granted the Garden are described (verses 22–35). The title is a reference to the
paths through which angels ascend to God, mentioned in verses 3–4.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 A man [mockingly] demanded the punishment. 2 It will fall on the
disbelievers––none can deflect it––3 from God, the Lord of the Ways
of Ascent, 4 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him, on a
Day whose length is fifty thousand years. 5 So be patient, [Prophet],
as befits you. 6 The disbelievers think it is distant, 7 but We know it to
be close. 8 On a Day when the heavens will be like molten brass 9 and
the mountains like tufts of wool, 10 when no friend will ask about his
friend, 11 even when they are within sight of one another. The guilty
person will wish he could save himself from the suffering of that Day
by sacrificing his sons, 12 his spouse, his brother, 13 the kinsfolk who
gave him shelter, 14 and everyone on earth, if it could save him. 15 But
no! There is a raging flame 16 that strips away the skin, 17 and it will
claim everyone who rejects the truth, turns away, 18 amasses wealth
and hoards it.
19 Man was truly created anxious: 20 he is fretful when misfortune
touches him, 21 but tight-fisted when good fortune comes his way.
22 Not so those who pray 23 and are constant in their prayers; 24 who
give a due share of their wealth 25 to beggars and the deprived;
26 who believe in the Day of Judgement 27 and fear the punishment of
their Lord––28 none may feel wholly secure from it––29 who guard
their chastity 30 from all but their spouses or their slave-girls––there
is no blame attached to [relations with] these, 31 but those whose
desires exceed this limit are truly transgressors––32 who are faithful
to their trusts and their pledges; 33 who give honest testimony 34 and
are steadfast in their prayers. 35 They will be honoured in Gardens of
bliss.