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 To the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer. 2 From God, the Lord of the steps (of progression), 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 though they are in sight of each other. To ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, the sinner will wish that he might even ransom himself by his sons, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 Dragging by the head, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 Who are constant at their worship 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35