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 garments purify! 4 and shun uncleanness, 5 And do not confer favor to acquire more 6 and persevere for your Lord's sake. 7 And when the trumpet is blown, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 and it will not be easy for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone with he whom I created 11 and appointed for him ample wealth 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 And made several preparations for him. 14 Yet he desires that I should give more. 15 Not at all! Surely, he has been disobedient to Our verses. 16 I shall soon constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Surely he reflected and guessed, 18 So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 19 Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!- 20 Then he looked round; 21 Then frowned he and scowled. 22 Then he turned back and was arrogant 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 I shall make him suffer the torment of hell. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It leaves and spares no one and nothing. 28 Blackening the skins. 29 Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell). 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