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 infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 From Allah, Owner of the ascending steps. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead, etc.). 8 And the mountains will be like flakes of wool, 9 And friend shall not ask of friend 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 And his wife and his brother 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him: 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allah). 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 Very nervous when touched by misfortune. 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the beggar and the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 who guard their privates 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 whoever goes beyond this is a transgressor; 31 And those who are to their trusts and promises attentive 32 And those who are firm upon their testimonies. 33 And those who are attentive at their worship. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35