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 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 And those who protect their private organs (from adultery). 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35