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 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 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 will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his 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 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 Eager to roast; 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 except those that pray 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35