The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 except those that pray 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 those who preserve their chastity 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 whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35