The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou enveloped! 1 Arise and warn 2 and exalt your Lord, 3 And your clothing purify 4 And keep away from Ar-Rujz (the idols)! 5 and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God. 6 But for your Lord be patient. 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 So that is a tough day. 9 Far from easy for the disbelievers. 10 Leave him to Me, the one whom I created single. 11 and appointed for him ample wealth 12 And sons always present by his side, 13 and made all things smooth for him; 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Not at all! Surely, he has been disobedient to Our verses. 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 and thus he destroys himself, the way he meditates: 19 Again accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 20 and then he looks [around for new arguments,] 21 Then he frowned and he scowled; 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 Then he said: This is naught but enchantment, narrated (from others); 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 Soon I will cast him into hell. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It leaves nothing, nor does it spare; 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 there are nineteen [angels] in charge of it -- 30 We have made only angels as the keepers of the fire (for they are the strongest in carrying out Our commands). Our informing (people) of the numbers of these angels is a trial for the disbelievers. It gives more certainty to the people of the Book and strengthens the faith of the believers. The people of the Book and the believers have no doubt about it. We have fixed the number to make the disbelievers and those whose hearts are sick say, "What does God mean by such a parable?" Thus, God guides and causes to go astray whomever He wants. No one knows about the army of your Lord except He Himself. This parable is a reminder for mankind. 31