The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O the Cloaked One! (Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) 1 Arise and warn 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 And thine raiment purify. 4 stay away from sins 5 do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 6 And for the good-will of thy Lord be thou patient. 7 And when the trumpet is blown, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 Not of ease, for disbelievers. 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 and to whom I have granted resources in abundance, 12 And sons abiding in his presence 13 and for whom I have smoothed the way (to power and riches), 14 and who still desires more. 15 By no means! surely he offers opposition to Our communications. 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 and woe to him; how he plotted! 19 Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!- 20 Then he looked, 21 then he frowned and scowled, 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 and says, "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence handed down [from olden times]! 24 This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 Him shall I fling unto the burning. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It does not allow anyone to live, and neither does it leave anyone to die; 28 It shrivelleth the man. 29 Over it are nineteen. 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