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 avert, 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And no friend will ask after a 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 companion (wife), his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 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 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 except those who are steadfast 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Indeed, the punishment of their Lord is not that from which one is safe - 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and 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 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35