The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 and no bosom friend will enquire about any of his bosom friends 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Verily man is impatient by nature: 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he selfishly withholds it [from others]. 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 who guard their privates 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35