The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 stand up, deliver your warning, 2 Glorify your Lord, 3 Purify your inner self, 4 stay away from sins 5 And do not confer favor to acquire more 6 And persevere in the way of your Lord. 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 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 with he whom I created 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 and children as [love's] witnesses, 13 And made (life) smooth for him. 14 and yet, he greedily desires that I give yet more! 15 Never! For he is an enemy to Our signs! 16 I shall inflict on him hardship, 17 For he thought and he plotted -- 18 Perish he! How maliciously he devised! 19 Again (self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! - 20 Then he looked around, 21 then frowned and scowled; 22 Then he turned back and was big with pride, 23 Then he said: "This is nothing but magic from that of old; 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 I will drive him into Saqar. 26 What could make you conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 It scorches people's skin 29 Over it are nineteen (angels guarding). 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