The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Save worshippers. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Are free of blame, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35