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 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 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 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 but We see it near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and all those on earth. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 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 amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are 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 guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35