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 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 His kindred who 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 stripping away his skin, 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35