The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35