The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore patiently endure, in the best manner (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him). 5 They see it [the Day of Judgement] to be far off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 though they may be in one another's sight: [for,] everyone who was lost in sin will on that Day but desire to ransom himself from suffering at the price of his own children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 stripping away his skin, 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Save worshippers. 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35