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 To the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 and his spouse and his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those who pray, 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 and those who believe in the Day of Judgement 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 and guard their private parts 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 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges: 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35