The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou enveloped in thy cloak, 1 Arise and warn! 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 cleanse your clothes, 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 And for the sake of your Lord, patiently endure. 7 For when the trumpet shall sound, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 For the disbelievers - not easy. 10 Leave Me with him whom I alone have created, 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 And sons always present by his side, 13 And made (life) smooth for him. 14 Yet he wants that I should give him more. 15 Nay! Verily, he has been stubborn and opposing Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). 16 On him I shall impose a fearful doom. 17 He reflected and then hatched a scheme. 18 So let him be cursed! How he plotted! 19 Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 20 He looked (at others); 21 then he frowned and scowled, 22 Then he turned back and was proud; 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 This is naught else than speech of mortal man. 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 - Ah, what will convey unto thee what that burning is! - 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 It scorches the mortal. 29 Over it are nineteen (angels guarding). 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