The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 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 they see it as being far off; 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 when misfortune touches him he starts lamenting, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35