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 to those who deny the truth. No power can hinder God 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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 of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who gave him shelter, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But never. It is pure white flame 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It will summon whoever turns his back and flees, 17 And collected [wealth] and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 for the impoverished nonrequester and the requester, 25 who confirm the Day of Reckoning 26 and go in fear of the punishment of their Lord, 27 Surely no one can be secure from the punishment of his Lord, -- 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;- 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35