The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O you (Prophet Muhamad), the cloaked, 1 Arise and warn! 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 purify your garments; 4 and flee from the statues! 5 And do not through giving seek thyself to gain, 6 And persevere in the way of your Lord. 7 So when the Trumpet will be blown. 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 It will not be easy for those who deny the truth. 10 Leave Me alone [to deal] with him whom I have created alone, 11 And for whom I appointed wealth extended. 12 And gave him sons present before him. 13 And made several preparations for him. 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 I will constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Verily, he thought and plotted; 18 Ruin seize him, how did he hatch a scheme? 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then he considered [again]; 21 Then frowned and grimaced. 22 and in the end he turns his back [on Our message,] and glories in his arrogance, 23 and said, "This is nothing but sorcery from the ancients. 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 And what will explain to thee what Hell-Fire is? 27 It does not allow anyone to live, and neither does it leave anyone to die; 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 and it has nineteen angelic keepers. 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