The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 which will inevitably seize the disbelievers. 2 From Allah, Lord of the Ascending Stairways 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) ascend in a day, the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 (Though) they shall be made to see each other. The guilty one would fain redeem himself from the chastisement of that day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 the kinsmen who gave him shelter, 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 and drag into it anyone who has turned away (from obeying God), 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Except those who pray, 22 Those who are constant at their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 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 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 It is these who will be honoured in Gardens. 35