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 those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 but, We see it as near! 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 though they shall be within sight of each other. The guilty one will gladly ransom himself from the torment of that Day by sacrificing his own children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Dragging by the head, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 save those that pray 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35