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 those who deny the truth. [Know, then, that] nothing can ward it off, 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 So be patient (O Muhammad SAW), with a good patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 It shall befall on a Day whereon the sky will become like molten brass, 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And the nearest of his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 and whosoever is in the earth, altogether, so that it might save him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 Eager to roast; 16 and it will claim all those who turned their backs [on the true faith] and turned away [from the truth], 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 and those who guard their private parts, 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35