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 infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of 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 and his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Eager to roast; 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35