The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 Arise, and warn. 2 and magnify the glory of your Lord, 3 thy robes purify 4 and shun uncleanness, 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 For the sake of thy Lord, be patient! 7 Finally, when the Trumpet is sounded, 8 So that is a tough day. 9 Far from easy for the disbelievers. 10 LEAVE Me alone [to deal] with him whom I have created alone, 11 and appointed for him ample wealth 12 and children as [love's] witnesses, 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 Yet he desireth that I should give more. 15 Nay, verily, it is against Our messages that he knowingly, stubbornly sets himself 16 Soon I shall mount him on Saood, the hill of fire. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 yea, he destroys himself, the way he meditates! 20 Then he looked around, 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 and says, "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence handed down [from olden times]! 24 These are only words from a mere mortal". 25 Him shall I fling unto the burning. 26 Would that you really knew what hell is! 27 It leaveth naught; it spareth naught 28 Darkening and changing the colour of man! 29 over it are nineteen. 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