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 Proclaim the glory of your Lord; 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 and flee from the statues! 5 and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God. 6 Exercise patience to please your Lord. 7 And [warn all men that] when the trumpet-call [of resurrection] is sounded, 8 that day will be a harsh day, 9 and for the disbelievers, in particular, it will not be at all easy. 10 Leave Me with him whom I alone have created, 11 To whom I granted resources in abundance, 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 And made life smooth and comfortable for him! 14 and yet, he greedily desires that I give him even more! 15 Nay! For lo! he hath been stubborn to Our revelations. 16 I will cover him with arduous torment. 17 He reflected and then hatched a scheme. 18 death seized him, how was his determining! 19 Again (self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! - 20 Then he thought; 21 Then he frowned and he scowled; 22 then turned back, and swelling-up with pride, 23 And said, “This is nothing but magic learnt from earlier men.” 24 “This is nothing but the speech of a man.” 25 I will cast him into hell. 26 And what can make you know what is Saqar? 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 Burning the skins! 29 Over it are nineteen (angels guarding). 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