The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Save worshippers. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who preserve their chastity 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35