The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
O you who are clothed! 1 Arise, and warn, 2 Thy Lord magnify, 3 purify your garments; 4 and shun uncleanness, 5 Give not, thinking to gain greater 6 Exercise patience to please your Lord. 7 When the Horn is blown, 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 with the one I created alone 11 and whom I have granted abundant wealth 12 and sons ever present with him, 13 And made things easy for them. 14 and who still desires more. 15 Nay, verily, it is against Our messages that he knowingly, stubbornly sets himself 16 Anon I shall afflict him with a fearful woe. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 and woe to him; how he plotted! 19 Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 20 Then he looked round; 21 Then frowned he and showed displeasure. 22 Then turned he back, and grew stiff-necked. 23 He said, 'This is naught but a trumped-up sorcery; 24 These are only words from a mere mortal". 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It neither leaves, nor spares. 28 Burning the skins! 29 Over it are nineteen [angels]. 30 We have appointed only angels to be wardens of the Fire. We have specified their number only as a trial for those who are bent on denying the truth, so that those who were given the Book might gain in certainty, and those who believe might increase in faith -- and so that neither those who have been given the Scripture nor the believers might have any doubts, and that those sick at heart and those who deny the truth might ask, "What does God mean by this parable?" In this way, God lets go astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. And none knows the forces of your Lord but He. This is but a Reminder for man. 31