The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be patient with gracious patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 but We see it near at hand. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 Eager to roast; 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those who closely follow (the Book of God), 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none is secure from the punishment of their Lord, 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess-- for these surely are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 and perform their witnessings, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35