The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 and all the people of the earth, if that could deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Eager to roast; 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 who guard their carnal desires 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 respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35