The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day when the sky will be like molten silver. 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment 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 those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 who guard their privates 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly 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 attentive at their worship. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35