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 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Eager to roast; 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amassed wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those that pray, 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the bondwomen in their possession, for there is no reproach on them. 30 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35