The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 from punishing them. He is the Lord of the Ascending Stairways, 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 while We think that it is near at hand. 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 And then the mountains shall become like unto wool dyed. 9 And no friend will ask concerning his friend. 10 Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help)], - the Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever, etc.) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Dragging by the head, 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed, man is born impatient: 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 except those that pray, 22 and constant in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35