The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou shrouded in thy mantle, 1 Arise and warn 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 And your garments do purify, 4 Pollution 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 be patient unto your Lord. 7 Finally, when the Trumpet is sounded, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 for the unbelievers not easy. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 and to whom I have granted resources vast, 12 And sons dwelling in his presence, 13 and made all things smooth for him; 14 And who yet coveteth that shall increase. 15 Nay! Verily, he has been stubborn and opposing Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). 16 I shall oblige him to (climb a slippery mountain in the Hell-fire called As-Sa'ud, or to) face a severe torment! 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 20 Then he looked, 21 Then he frowned and he looked in a bad tempered way; 22 then he retreated and waxed proud, 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 "This is nothing but the word of a human being!" 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 And what will explain to thee what Hell-Fire is? 27 It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing [unburned], 28 It shrivelleth the man. 29 Over it are nineteen [angels]. 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