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 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in one Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 [It will take place] on a Day when the sky will be like molten lead, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend inquires after friend 10 Though they shall be made to see one another. Fain would the guilty ransom himself from the torment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 tearing away his skin! 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 Lo! the doom of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure - 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35