The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 1 Arise, and warn, 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 and purify your clothing, 4 And uncleanliness avoid 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 but unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 That Day will be a difficult day 9 not of ease, for all who [now] deny the truth! 10 Leave Me with the one I created alone 11 And give him vast riches, 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 and to whose life I gave so wide a scope: 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 I shall inflict on him hardship, 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 Again accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 20 Then he thought; 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 Then he turned back and was haughty; 23 Then he said: naught is this but magic from of old; 24 This is nothing but the word of mortal man!" 25 [Hence,] I shall cause him to endure hell-fire [in the life to come]! 26 Would that you really knew what hell is! 27 It neither leaves, nor spares. 28 Blackening the skins. 29 there are nineteen [angels] in charge of it -- 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