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 your Lord glorify 3 And your clothing purify 4 And banish all trepidation. 5 And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of Allah's obedience as a favour to Allah). 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 And when the trumpet is blown, 8 That Day will be a difficult day 9 not an easy day for the unbelievers. 10 LEAVE Me alone [to deal] with him whom I have created alone, 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 And sons abiding in his presence 13 And made several preparations for him. 14 After all that he desires that I should give more; 15 Never will he receive more. He has been hostile to Our revelations. 16 I shall oblige him to (climb a slippery mountain in the Hell-fire called As-Sa'ud, or to) face a severe torment! 17 He reflected, and then determined 18 So let him be cursed! How he plotted! 19 Let him be destroyed. How he calculated! 20 Then looked he, 21 Then he frowned and he scowled; 22 Then turned he back, and grew stiff-necked. 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 This is naught but the word of a mortal. 25 I shall make him suffer the torment of hell. 26 And what can make you know what is Saqar? 27 It leaveth naught; it spareth naught 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 Above it are nineteen guards. 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