The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou enveloped in thy cloak, 1 arise and give warning! 2 And proclaim the Purity of your Lord. 3 and purify your clothing, 4 stay away from sins 5 Do not bestow favours in expectation of return, 6 be patient unto your Lord. 7 When the Trumpet is sounded, 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 It will not be easy for those who deny the truth. 10 Leave Me with him whom I alone have created, 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 And children to be by his side! 13 and to whose life I gave so wide a scope: 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 By no means! surely he offers opposition to Our communications. 16 I shall oblige him to (climb a slippery mountain in the Hell-fire called As-Sa'ud, or to) face a severe torment! 17 For he thought and he plotted;- 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 Again, death seize him, how he determined! 20 Then looked he, 21 Then he frowned and scowled, 22 Then turned he away in pride 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 These are only words from a mere mortal". 25 I will drive him into Saqar. 26 And what do you know what Hell is? 27 It does not allow anyone to live, and neither does it leave anyone to die; 28 it scorches (even) the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen [powers]. 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