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 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 a chastisement from Allah, the Lord of the ascending steps, 3 To Him the angels and the Spirit mount up, in a day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They surely take it to be far away, 6 But We see it very near. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains will become like dyed tufts of wool, 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 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 His wife and his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 And hoarded (wealth) and withheld it. 18 ۞ Lo! man was created anxious, 19 When evil toucheth him, he is bewailing. 20 And niggardly when good reaches him;- 21 Except those who establish prayer. 22 Who persevere in devotion, 23 and in whose possessions there is a due share, acknowledged [by them,] 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Recompense 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 Surely the chastisement of their Lord is (a thing) not to be felt secure of-- 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 he who seeks to go beyond this, these it is that go beyond the limits-- 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 all these shall live honourably in the Gardens. 35