The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35