The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and guard their private parts 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who are mindful of their moral obligations. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35