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 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 from punishing them. He is the 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 endure with a goodly patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 but We see it near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And not a friend shall ask a 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 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And when good touches him, withholding [of it], 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 who guard their carnal desires 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 seek more than this will be transgressors; 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 who testify to what they have witnessed, 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35