The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 1 Arise and warn, 2 And thine Lord magnify! 3 And your clothing purify 4 And stay away from idols. 5 And show not favour, seeking wordly gain! 6 and persevere for your Lord's sake. 7 When the Trumpet shall be sounded, 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 It will not be easy for those who deny the truth. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 And gave him vast wealth. 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 and for whom I have smoothed the way (to power and riches), 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 Never will he receive more. He has been hostile to Our revelations. 16 I shall force him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 Surely he reflected and guessed, 18 May he be condemned! 19 Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 20 He looked (at others); 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 Then turned he away in pride 23 and said, "This is nothing but sorcery from the ancients. 24 this is nothing but the word of a mere mortal!” 25 I will drive him into Saqar. 26 What will let you know what the Scorching is like! 27 It neither leaves, nor spares. 28 It shrivelleth the man. 29 Over it are nineteen (angels guarding). 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