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 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35