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 Arise, and warn. 2 and exalt your Lord, 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 And pollution shun. 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 When the Trumpet is sounded, 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 Far from easy for those without Faith. 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 And gave him vast wealth. 12 And children present [with him] 13 And made several preparations for him. 14 and who still desires more. 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 Soon I shall mount him on Saood, the hill of fire. 17 Behold, [when Our messages are conveyed to one who is bent on denying the truth,] he reflects and meditates [as to how to disprove them] 18 So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 19 May be then be accursed, how he plotted! 20 Then looked he, 21 frowned and scowled; 22 Then he turned away, and was haughty. 23 and says, "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence handed down [from olden times]! 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 Him shall I fling unto the burning. 26 And what will make you realize what hell is? 27 It neither spares, nor releases, 28 scorching the flesh; 29 Over it are appointed 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