The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O thou enveloped! 1 Rise up and warn! 2 And thy Lord do thou magnify! 3 cleanse your clothes, 4 Pollution shun! 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 But for your Lord be patient. 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 It will not be easy for those who deny the truth. 10 Leave him to Me, the one whom I created single. 11 And gave him vast wealth. 12 and children living in his presence, 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 Never! For he is an enemy to Our signs! 16 I will make a distressing punishment overtake him. 17 For lo! he did consider; then he planned - 18 May he be accursed, how he planned! 19 yea, he destroys himself, the way he meditates! 20 He looked (at others); 21 and then he frowns and glares, 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 and said, "This is nothing but sorcery from the ancients. 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 And what knoweth thou that which the Scorching Fire? 27 It does not allow anyone to live, and neither does it leave anyone to die; 28 It strips away the hide of man. 29 and it has nineteen angelic keepers. 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