The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 his companion wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But no! There is a raging blaze 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35