The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O you enveloped in your cloak! 1 Arise, and warn, 2 Proclaim the glory of your Lord; 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 Pollution shun! 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 Exercise patience to please your Lord. 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 Surely that day will be a day of anguish, 9 for the unbelievers not easy. 10 Leave Me and him whom I created alone, 11 And for whom I appointed wealth extended. 12 and children living in his presence, 13 And made life smooth and comfortable for him! 14 and who still desires more. 15 Never. He is refractory of Our signs. 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 So accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 19 Again accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 20 He then dared to lift his gaze. 21 Then he 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 naught but the word of a mortal. 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 What could make you conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It neither spares, nor releases, 28 it scorches (even) the skin. 29 Above it are nineteen. 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