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 for the unbelievers, which none may avert, 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 6 but We see it is nigh. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 even intimate friends will not inquire about their friends, 10 as they are given sight of them. The sinner will wish that he might ransom himself from the chastisement of that day even by his sons, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 His kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him. 14 Nay, verily it is a furnace 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And masseth and then hoardeth. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 and whenever good fortune comes to him, he grows niggardly. 21 Save worshippers. 22 Who are at their prayer constant. 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 those who firmly believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 And those who are fearful of the punishment of their Lord - 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 28 who guard their privates 29 Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. 31 and those who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; 32 And those who are upright in their testimonies, 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 Those shall be in gardens, honored. 35