The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,- 2 No one can defend him against God, the Lord of the exalted positions. 3 To Him ascend the angels and the Spirit in a day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. 4 So, (O Prophet), persevere with gracious perseverance. 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 And We see it nigh. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 his kin who sheltered him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 Flaying off the scalp-skin. 16 calling him who drew back and turned away, 17 And amasses (wealth) then shuts it up. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 and tight-fisted when good fortune visits him, 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 For him who begs and for him who is denied (good) 25 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 the punishment of their Lord is not something for them to feel secure of, 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except from their wives and what their right hands own, for these they are not blameworthy. 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who respect their trusts and covenants; 32 And those who are in their testimonies upright 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35