The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O you who covers himself [with a garment], 1 arise and give warning! 2 And thy Lord do thou magnify! 3 And your garments purify! 4 And all defilement shun! 5 do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 When the trumpet is sounded,. 8 that shall be a Harsh Day 9 Dolorous for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 and sons standing before him, 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 and who still desires more. 15 By no means; he is stubbornly opposed to Our Signs. 16 [and so] I shall constrain him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 Verily he considered, and devised. 18 and woe to him; how he plotted! 19 And once more let him be cursed, how he plotted! 20 Then he beheld, 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 then he retreated and waxed proud, 23 and says, "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence handed down [from olden times]! 24 "This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 Him shall I soon roast in Hell. 26 - Ah, what will convey unto thee what that burning is! - 27 Naught doth it permit to endure, and naught doth it leave alone!- 28 it scorches the skin; 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