The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his 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 wife, his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 bewailing when evil befalls him, 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Save worshippers. 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 who guard their privates 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35