The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is 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 [as] near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 but whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35