The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it very near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Surely man is greedy by nature. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 except those that pray, 22 Those who are constant in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 and guard their private parts 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 So those who desire more than this – it is they who are the transgressors. 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35