The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 Arise, and warn, 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 And your clothing purify 4 And uncleanness do shun, 5 And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of Allah's obedience as a favour to Allah). 6 and persevere for your Lord's sake. 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 that day will be a harsh day, 9 not an easy day for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me with the one I created alone 11 and to whom I have granted resources in abundance, 12 and sons ever present with him, 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 After all that he desires that I should give more; 15 Never! For he is an enemy to Our signs! 16 Anon I shall afflict him with a fearful woe. 17 Verily he considered, and devised. 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 And again perish he! How maliciously he devised! 20 Then he looked, 21 Then frowned he and showed displeasure. 22 Then he turned back and was haughty; 23 He said, 'This is naught but a trumped-up sorcery; 24 This is not but the word of a human being." 25 I will cast him into Hell-fire 26 Would that you really knew what hell is! 27 It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)! 28 it scorches (even) the skin. 29 Over it are Nineteen. 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