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 unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 (A punishment) from Allah, the Owner of the Elevated Passages. 3 The angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years, 4 Therefore, [O believers] behave with seemly patience. 5 Verily they behold it afar off. 6 But We see it (quite) near. 7 The day the sky becomes like molten brass, 8 And the hills become as flakes of wool, 9 no loyal friend shall question loyal friend, 10 though they may see each other. A sinner will wish that he could save himself from the torment of that day by sacrificing his children, 11 his wife, his brother, 12 And his family who had stood by him, 13 and all persons of the earth, if only he could thus save himself. 14 By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell! 15 will strip-off the flesh 16 It invites he who turned his back [on truth] and went away [from obedience] 17 and amassed wealth and covetously hoarded it. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 If evil befalls him he is perturbed; 20 And, when good befalleth him, grudging; 21 Not so those devoted to Prayer;- 22 and continue at their prayers, 23 those in whose wealth is a right known 24 For the petitioner and the deprived - 25 and who accept as true the [coming of the] Day of Judgment; 26 And those who fear the punishment of their Lord. 27 surely the chastisement of their Lord is a thing none can feel secure from – 28 who guard their privates 29 except in regard to their spouses and those whom their right hands possess, for in regard to them they are not reproachable, 30 but any who seeks to go beyond that, it is indeed they who are the transgressors, 31 (Those) who keep their trusts and their covenant, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who are constant in their prayers. 34 such people will receive due honor in Paradise. 35