The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The unbelievers-- there is none to avert it-- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 Indeed, they see it [as] distant, 6 but We see it to be very near. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be as plucked wool-tufts, 9 And no friend will ask [anything of] a friend, 10 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children, 11 His wife and his brother, 12 and of all the kinsfolk who ever sheltered him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 stripping away his skin, 16 and it shall call him who withdrew and turned his back 17 Who amasses and then hoards. 18 ۞ Indeed, mankind was created anxious: 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 when good visits him, grudging, 21 Except the observers of prayer - 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 And those in whose wealth exists a recognised right, 24 for the needy and the deprived, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgement, 26 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). 29 Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed - 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and (finally) those who do not miss their ritual - prayers at the prescribed times; 34 They will be in gardens, honored. 35