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 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But nay! Verily, all [that awaits him] is a raging flame, 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 But not so the worshippers 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 those who preserve their chastity 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35