The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore be patient, with a beautiful patience; 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 And the mountains shall be as tufts of wool 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another. Fain would the guilty ransom himself from the torment of that Day by his children. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all who are on the earth; so that this might deliver him. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Indeed man is created very impatient, greedy. 19 Being greatly grieved when evil afflicts him 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 who are constant in prayer; 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 who guard their carnal desires 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 And whosoever seeketh beyond that, then it is those who are the trespassers 31 And those who of their trusts and their covenant are keepers. 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent]. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35