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 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length 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 but We see it near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who 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 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35