The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35