The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 they see it as being far off; 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal 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 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35