The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 (Muhammad), exercise patience with no complaints. 5 behold, they see it as if far off; 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On the day when the heaven shall be as molten copper 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 No loyal friend will ask another loyal friend 10 They will be seeing them; the guilty will wish if only he could redeem himself from the punishment of that day, by offering his sons. 11 His wife and his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 By no means! It will be the fierce flame 15 It snatches away by the scalps, 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Truly man was created very impatient;- 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 And niggardly when good befalls him 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For the beggar and the destitute. 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 who guard their privates 29 save from their wives and what their right hands own, then not being blameworthy 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their pledges and their covenant, 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35