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 Upon the infidels -- which none would be able to repel -- 2 from God, the Lord of the Stairways. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event): 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 And the mountains will be like wool, 9 and 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 his wife, his brother, 12 And his kindred who sheltered him, 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 Never! That is indeed a blazing fire. 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man was created fretful, 19 When they are afflicted, they complain, 20 And niggardly when good touches him; 21 But not so the worshippers 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 who, from their wealth is a known right 24 For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); 25 who confirm the Day of Doom 26 And those who are fearful of the chastisement of their Lord-- 27 (from their Lord's chastisement none feels secure) 28 And those who guard their chastity, 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 but those who go beyond that limit are transgressors; 31 and who preserve their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies; 33 and who take due care of their Prayer: 34 They will live in gardens with honour. 35