The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal 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 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 And refraining, when good reaches him. 21 except those that pray 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 and those who 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 he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35