The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And friend shall not ask of 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 kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35