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 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his 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 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35