The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 they see it as being far off; 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 No! Indeed, it is the Flame [of Hell], 15 A fire that melts the hide. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those who pray, 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and go in fear of the chastisement of their Lord 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those shall be in Gardens, high-honoured. 35