The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 stand up, deliver your warning, 2 and magnify the glory of your Lord, 3 And thine raiment purify. 4 And uncleanliness avoid 5 and bestow not favour in order to seek from others a greater return, 6 And for the good-will of thy Lord be thou patient. 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 Far from easy for those without Faith. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 And then bestowed upon him ample means, 12 And sons present by his side. 13 and whom I have provided with every resource, 14 Yet is he greedy-that I should add (yet more);- 15 Never! For he is an enemy to Our signs! 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 Surely he reflected and guessed, 18 Perish he! How maliciously he devised! 19 Again, death seized him, how was his determining! 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 magic learnt from earlier men.” 24 This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 I shall make him suffer the torment of hell. 26 And what will explain to thee what Hell-Fire is? 27 It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)! 28 It glows and burns the skin. 29 Above it are nineteen guards. 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