The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 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, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 but We see it near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered 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 drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35