The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 and guard their private parts 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35