The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert, 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 all the angels and all the inspiration [ever granted to man] ascend unto Him [daily,] in a day the length whereof is [like] fifty thousand years… 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 But We see it very near. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 and the mountains will be like tufts of wool, 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Save worshippers. 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who accept the truth of the judgment day 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors; 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 They will be honoured in the Gardens of Bliss. 35