The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 To whom the angels and the soul take a day to ascend, whose length is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And the family in which he was. 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 stripping away his skin, 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 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 stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35