The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O thou enveloped! 1 Arise and warn! 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 And your garments purify! 4 And keep away from Ar-Rujz (the idols)! 5 And show not favour, seeking wordly gain! 6 And for the sake of your Lord, patiently endure. 7 When the Horn is blown, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 For the disbelievers - not easy. 10 Leave him to Me, the one whom I created single. 11 And then bestowed upon him ample means, 12 And children present [with him] 13 And made things easy for them. 14 After all that he desires that I should give more; 15 Never. He is refractory of Our signs. 16 [and so] I shall constrain him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 Indeed he thought, and inwardly decided. 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted; 20 He looked (at others); 21 then he frowned and scowled, 22 Then turned he back, and grew stiff-necked. 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 this is nothing but the word of a mere mortal!” 25 Him shall I soon roast in Hell. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It neither spares, nor releases, 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 Over it are Nineteen. 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