The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 1 Arise and deliver thy warning! 2 And your Lord glorify 3 And your clothing purify 4 and defilement flee! 5 and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God. 6 And for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 and for the disbelievers, in particular, it will not be at all easy. 10 Leave Me alone [to deal] with him whom I have created alone, 11 And for whom I appointed wealth extended. 12 and children as [love's] witnesses, 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 and yet, he greedily desires that I give him even more! 15 No! Indeed, he has been toward Our verses obstinate. 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Indeed, he thought and deliberated. 18 (Self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then he beheld, 21 then frowned and scowled; 22 Then he turned back and was haughty; 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 Nothing more than the speech of a man!" 25 I shall surely roast him in Sakar; 26 And what can make you know what is Saqar? 27 It leaveth naught; it spareth naught 28 It strips away the hide of 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