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 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Save worshippers. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 They are those who assign a certain share of their property 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 those who preserve 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 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who fulfil their trusts and their covenants, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35