The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 (a chastisement meant) for the unbelievers, one which none can avert; 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 Whereby the angels ascend unto Him and also the spirit, On a Day whereof the measure is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment). 5 They think that it (the Day of Judgment) is far away. 6 But We see it [as] near. 7 On the Day the sky will be like murky oil, 8 and the mountains will become like tufts of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 Though they will be given sight of them. The guilty man will long to be able to ransom himself from the punishment of that day at the price of his children 11 his companion (wife), his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 and of whoever [else] lives on earth, all of them - so that he could but save himself. 14 By no means! Verily it is a Flame. 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It shall insistently summon him who turned his back and retreated, 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ Surely man is created of a hasty temperament 19 Fretful when evil touches him; 20 but when good comes upon him, he is grudging 21 But not so the worshippers 22 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; 23 and those in whose wealth there is a known right 24 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking); 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who are fearful of their Lord's doom - 27 Indeed the punishment of their Lord is not a thing to be unafraid of! 28 and guard their private parts 29 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]: for then, behold, they are free of all blame, 30 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;- 31 And those who keep their trusts and covenants; 32 and standby their witnessing, 33 And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer: 34 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss). 35