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 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So persevere with becoming patience. 5 Verily! They see it (the torment) afar off, 6 but We see it near. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 and the mountains become like wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 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 his companion wife, his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 When evil touches him, impatient, 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 except those who are steadfast 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth there is a known right, 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 And those who testify to the Day of Requital. 26 and are fearful of the punishment of their Lord; 27 for, behold, of their Sustainer's chastisement none may ever feel [wholly] secure; 28 And those who of their private parts are guards. 29 Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35