The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O you enveloped in your cloak! 1 arise and give warning! 2 And your Lord glorify 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 and defilement flee! 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 When the Horn is blown, 8 That shall be - that Day - a day hard. 9 Not of ease, for disbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 And for whom I appointed wealth extended. 12 And sons abiding in his presence 13 and to whose life I gave so wide a scope: 14 Yet is he greedy-that I should add (yet more);- 15 Nay! Verily, he has been stubborn and opposing Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 He planned and plotted. 18 (Self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! 19 Again (self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! - 20 and then he looks [around for new arguments,] 21 Then frowned he and scowled. 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 And said, “This is nothing but magic learnt from earlier men.” 24 this is nothing but the word of a mere mortal!” 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 And what could make thee conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It spares nothing; it leaves nothing intact; 28 It scorches people's skin 29 Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell). 30 For We have caused none but angelic powers to lord over the fire [of hell]; and We have not caused their number to be aught but a trial for those who are bent on denying the truth - to the end that they who have been granted revelation aforetime might be convinced [of the truth of this divine writ]; and that they who have attained to faith [in it] might grow yet more firm in their faith; and that [both] they who have been granted the earlier revelation and they who believe [in this one] might be freed of all doubt; and that they in whose hearts is disease and they who deny the truth outright might ask, "What does [your] God mean by this parable?" In this way God lets go astray him that wills [to go astray,] and guides aright him that wills [to be guided]. And none can comprehend thy Sustainers forces save Him alone: and all this is but a reminder to mortal man. 31