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 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 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 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but We see it near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed (riches) and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 But not so the worshippers 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those within whose wealth is a known right 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 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 those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35