The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
O you enveloped in your cloak! 1 arise and give warning! 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 And thine inner self purify! 4 And banish all trepidation. 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 And be patient for the sake of your Lord (i.e. perform your duty to Allah)! 7 For when the Trump is sounded 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 and for the disbelievers, in particular, it will not be at all easy. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 And children present [with him] 13 and to whose life I gave so wide a scope: 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 Never! For he is an enemy to Our signs! 16 Anon I shall afflict him with a fearful woe. 17 He reflected, and then determined 18 and woe to him; how he plotted! 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then he beheld, 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 Then he turned back and was arrogant 23 Then said he: "This is nothing but magic, derived from of old; 24 this is nothing but the word of a mere mortal!” 25 Him shall I fling unto the burning. 26 And what will make you know exactly what Hell-fire is? 27 It neither leaves, nor spares. 28 Blackening the skins. 29 Over it are nineteen [angels]. 30 We have not appointed any one but angels as keepers of Hell, and their number that We have fixed is to make it a means of contention for disbelievers, so that those who were given the Book may be certain, and the faith of the believers may have greater increase, and the people of the Book and believers may not be deceived, and the sceptics and infidels may say: "What does God mean by this parable?" That is how God leads whosoever He will astray, and guides whosoever He will. None knows the armies of your Lord save Him self. This is no more than reminder for mankind. 31