The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 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 his wife, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 Eager to roast; 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 and who are mindful of their chastity, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35