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 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 On that Day (of Judgment), long as fifty thousand years, the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him. 4 Therefore endure with a goodly patience. 5 Verily they think that the chastisement is far off, 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 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 and no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though within sight of one another. The sinner would like to ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his sons, 11 And his spouse and his brother 12 And his kin that sheltered him. 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! Surely it is a flaming fire 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Not so, however, those who consciously turn towards God in prayer. 22 Those who are regular in their prayers. 23 those who give a due share of their wealth 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, 26 and fear the chastisement of their Lord – 27 Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, 28 And those who guard their private parts, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 and those who stand by their testimony 33 And those who of their prayer are observant. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35