The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 his wife, his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35