The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O thou enveloped in thy cloak, 1 arise and give warning! 2 And your Lord (Allah) magnify! 3 and purify your clothing, 4 Pollution shun! 5 And bestow not favour that thou mayest receive more. 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 For when the trumpet blows 8 it will be a hard day 9 Dolorous for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me and him whom I created alone, 11 And then bestowed upon him ample means, 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! Verily he hath been unto Our signs a foe. 16 I shall force him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 He reflected and then hatched a scheme. 18 So accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then looked he, 21 Then frowned he and scowled. 22 Then he turned back and was big with pride, 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 This is naught else than speech of mortal man. 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 And what will make you know exactly what Hell-fire is? 27 It shall not spare, nor leave. 28 It scorches people's skin 29 Above it are nineteen guards. 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