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 warn, 2 and exalt your Lord, 3 thy robes purify 4 And uncleanness do shun, 5 And bestow not favour that thou mayest receive more. 6 And persevere in the way of your Lord. 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 Far from easy for those without Faith. 10 Leave Me with the one I created alone 11 And give him vast riches, 12 And sons present by his side. 13 And made (life) smooth for him. 14 then he is eager that I should do more. 15 By no means! Verily he hath been unto Our signs a foe. 16 I will make a distressing punishment overtake him. 17 Verily he considered, and devised. 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted; 20 Then looked he, 21 frowned and scowled, 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 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 Scorching the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell). 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