The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 From Allah, the Lord of all pinnacles. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On that Day the heaven shall become like molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 and [when] 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 wife and his brother. 12 his kinsmen who gave him refuge (from hardship) 13 and whosoever is in the earth, all together, so that then it might deliver him. 14 No, in truth, it is a Furnace! 15 tearing away his skin! 16 It shall claim him who turned and fled (from truth), 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Verily man is formed impatient. 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose riches is a known right. 24 for such as ask [for help] and such as are deprived [of what is good in life]; 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's torment 27 Verily the torment of their Lord is not a thing to feel secure from. 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors - 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and those who are upright in their testimonies; 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honoured. 35