The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O you enveloped in your cloak! 1 Arise, and warn. 2 and magnify the glory of your Lord, 3 And your garments purify! 4 And all defilement shun! 5 Do not bestow favours in expectation of return, 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 When the Horn is blown, 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 Not easy upon the disbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 I made things smooth and easy for him, 14 Yet he wants that I should give him more. 15 Nay, verily, it is against Our messages that he knowingly, stubbornly sets himself 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 For lo! he did consider; then he planned - 18 So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 19 May be then be accursed, how he plotted! 20 Then he beheld, 21 Then frowned he and showed displeasure. 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 and said: 'This is no more than traced sorcery; 24 This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 I will cast him into the fire of Hell. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)! 28 Burning the skins! 29 there are nineteen [angels] in charge of it -- 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