The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 (Whereby) the angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day whereof the span is fifty thousand years. 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 They deem it to be remote. 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 His wife and his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 that will strip off the scalp. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those that pray, 22 and are constant in their Prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the (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 keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who guard their Salat (prayers) well. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35