The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O thou enveloped! 1 Arise, and warn, 2 And thy Lord do thou magnify! 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 and flee from the statues! 5 do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 6 Exercise patience to please your Lord. 7 When the Trumpet shall be sounded, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 For the unbelievers, anything but easy. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 whom I have endowed with abundant riches, 12 And children present [with him] 13 And made (life) smooth for him. 14 And who yet coveteth that shall increase. 15 Never. He is refractory of Our signs. 16 Soon I shall mount him on Saood, the hill of fire. 17 He reflected, and then determined 18 May he be accursed, how he planned! 19 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted; 20 Then he looked, 21 Then he frowned and scowled; 22 Then turned he away in pride 23 Then he said: This is naught but enchantment, narrated (from others); 24 This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 And what will make you realize what hell is? 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 Darkening and changing the colour of man! 29 Above it are nineteen guards. 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