The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 1 Arise and warn, 2 Thy Lord magnify, 3 cleanse your clothes, 4 and flee from the statues! 5 And bestow not favors that you may receive again with increase, 6 Exercise patience to please your Lord. 7 And when the trumpet is blown, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 not an easy day for the unbelievers. 10 Let Me alone with him whom I created lonely. 11 and to whom I have granted resources vast, 12 And sons always present by his side, 13 whose life I have made run smoothly 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 By no means; he is stubbornly opposed to Our Signs. 16 Soon will I visit him with a mount of calamities! 17 Indeed, he thought and deliberated. 18 May he be condemned! 19 And once more let him be cursed, how he plotted! 20 Then he looked round; 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 Then he turned away, and was haughty. 23 Then he said: naught is this but magic from of old; 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)! 28 It scorches people's skin 29 Over it are nineteen keepers. 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