The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 While we behold it nigh: 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And the family in which he was. 13 And all that are in the earth, if then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 snatching away the scalp, 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And accumulated wealth and hoarded it. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when they are fortunate, they become niggardly 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 And those who believe the Day of Judgement to be true. 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their private parts 29 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 And those who keep a guard on their prayer, 34 Those shall dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35