The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent. 3 by which the angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him in one Day which will last for fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Surely they think it to be far off, 6 Whereas We see it impending. 7 On that Day the heavens shall become like molten brass, 8 And the hills will be light as wool. 9 and [when] no friend will ask about his friend, 10 Though they shall be made to see one another. Fain would the guilty ransom himself from the torment of that Day by his children. 11 And his wife and his brother. 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are in the earth – then only if the redemption saves him! 14 By no means! For the raging flames of the fire 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It shall call him who turneth back and backslideth. 17 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)! 18 ۞ Human beings are created greedy. 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 except those that pray 22 Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); 23 And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged 24 For those who beg, and for the needy who cannot even ask. 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 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, 29 except from their wives and slave girls, in which case they are not to be blamed, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenant 32 Who uphold their testimonies, 33 And those who protect their prayers. 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35