The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 10 They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his children 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And whoever is on earth entirely [so] then it could save him. 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 It calleth him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 and who stand in dread of their Sustainer's chastisement 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35