The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 Arise, and warn. 2 And thine Lord magnify! 3 purify your garments; 4 And banish all trepidation. 5 Do not give, thinking to gain greater 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 Dolorous for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 And sons always present by his side, 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 Yet is he greedy-that I should add (yet more);- 15 Never! For he is an enemy to Our signs! 16 I shall force him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 and thus he destroys himself, the way he meditates: 19 yea, he destroys himself, the way he meditates! 20 and then he looks [around for new arguments,] 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 Then he turned away, and was haughty. 23 He said, 'This is naught but a trumped-up sorcery; 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 I shall surely roast him in Sakar; 26 And what do you know what Hell is? 27 It spares nothing; it leaves nothing intact; 28 it scorches (even) the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen [angels]. 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