The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 Upon the disbelievers, which none can repel, 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and Jibreel, ascend towards Him – the punishment will befall on a day which spans fifty thousand years. 4 So be thou patient with a sweet patience; 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 Upon the day when heaven shall be as molten copper 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 And not a friend shall ask a friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 And his nearest kindred who shelter him 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!- 16 It calls out to him who reverted and turned away. 17 and amass [wealth] and thereupon withhold [it from their fellow-men]. 18 ۞ Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; 19 [As a rule,] whenever misfortune touches him, he is filled with self-pity; 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 Not so are the prayerful. 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 to those who ask [for help] and to the destitute; 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 who are afraid of the torment of their Lord, 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 Are free of blame, 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand by their testimony 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 These it is who in the gardens [of paradise] shall be honoured! 35