The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask of a friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 And his spouse and his brother. 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 except those that pray 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who hold to the truth 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 who guard their carnal desires 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 those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35