The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 And We see it nigh. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 Eager to roast; 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil befalleth him 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, 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 those who are attentive at their worship. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35