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 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 no loyal friend shall question 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 kin who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 tearing away his skin! 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35