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 Rise up and warn! 2 And your Lord glorify 3 And thine raiment purify. 4 and defilement flee! 5 do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 6 but unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 For when the trumpet shall sound, 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 with him whom I created alone, 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 And children to be by his side! 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Nay! For lo! he hath been stubborn to Our revelations. 16 [and so] I shall constrain him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 He planned and plotted. 18 (Self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! 19 Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!- 20 Then he looked round; 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 then he retreated and grew proud 23 Then said he: "This is nothing but magic, derived from of old; 24 this is nothing but the word of a mere mortal!” 25 I will cast him into hell. 26 What will let you know what the Scorching is like! 27 It does not allow to live, and neither leaves [to die,] 28 Darkening and changing the colour of man! 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