The Heights (Al-Ma'aarej)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
A doubter once demanded that punishment be immediately meted out, 1 the unbelievers which none can prevent. 2 [since it will come] from God, unto whom there are many ways of ascent: 3 The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years. 4 Therefore, [O believer,] endure all adversity with goodly patience: 5 Lo! they behold it afar off 6 And We behold it nigh. 7 On the day when the heavens become like molten metal. 8 The mountains like the tufts of (carded) wool, 9 And no friend will ask after a friend, 10 although they shall be within sight of one another. The guilty one would fain ransom himself from the torment of that Day by offering his children, 11 and of his spouse, and of his brother, 12 And his kin that harboured him 13 And all those who are on the earth, to save himself. 14 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!- 15 That would skin the scalp. 16 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right). 17 who amassed and hoarded. 18 ۞ VERILY, man is born with a restless disposition. 19 when evil visits him, impatient, 20 And when good toucheth him he is begrudging. 21 except those that pray 22 who are steadfast in prayer; 23 In whose wealth a due share is included 24 for those that ask and those that are dispossessed, 25 And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, 26 And those who fear the torment of their Lord, 27 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;- 28 And those who guard their sex except from their wives and women slaves of old 29 except from their spouses and those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock], for which they incur no blame -- 30 (but whoso seeks after more than that, they are the transgressors), 31 who honor their trust and promises, 32 And those who stand firm in their testimonies. 33 and who observe their prayers. 34 Those are highly honored in the Gardens. 35