The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 The infidels, of which there is no averter. 2 From Allah, the Lord of the ways of ascent. 3 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: 4 Wherefore be thou patient with a becoming patience. 5 behold, men look upon that [reckoning] as something far away 6 And We see it nigh. 7 The day when the sky will become as molten copper, 8 and the mountains shall be like puffs of wool. 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal 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, his brother, 12 and his kinsfolk who had stood by him, 13 And all those that are in the earth, (wishing) then (that) this might deliver him. 14 But nay! for lo! it is the fire of hell 15 A remover of exteriors. 16 It will claim all such as turn their backs [on what is right,] and turn away [from the truth,] 17 and who accumulated wealth without spending it for a good purpose. 18 ۞ Indeed, the human was created grudging and impatient. 19 When evil comes upon him he is impatient; 20 If good comes to him he holds back his hand, 21 Except those devoted to Salat (prayers) 22 [and] who incessantly persevere in their prayer 23 And those in whose wealth there is a fixed portion. 24 For the needy and those dispossessed, 25 who acknowledge the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord, -- 27 for none may ever feel secure from the punishment of their Lord; 28 who guard their carnal desires 29 Save in regard to their spouses or those whom their right hands own; so verily they are not blameworthy 30 But whosoever seeks beyond that, they are the transgressors. 31 And those who protect the property entrusted to them, and their agreements. 32 and who stand firm whenever they bear witness; 33 and are steadfast in their prayers. 34 These will dwell in Gardens, honoured. 35