The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou enveloped! 1 arise and warn, 2 Thy Lord magnify 3 And thy garments keep free from stain! 4 shun uncleanness; 5 Give not, thinking to gain greater 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 Far from easy for the disbelievers. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 and children as [love's] witnesses, 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 Yet is he greedy-that I should add (yet more);- 15 Nay, verily, it is against Our messages that he knowingly, stubbornly sets himself 16 We shall make him suffer the torment of hell without relief. 17 For lo! he did consider; then he planned - 18 Ruin seize him, how did he hatch a scheme? 19 Again, death seized him, how was his determining! 20 May he be condemned again for his schemes! He looked around, 21 Then he frowned and scowled, 22 Then he turned back and was haughty; 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 Him shall I soon roast in Hell. 26 And what can make you know what is Saqar? 27 It leaves and spares no one and nothing. 28 It scorches the mortal. 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