The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 Arise and warn! 2 Thy Lord magnify, 3 cleanse your clothes, 4 And banish all trepidation. 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 but unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 When the Horn is blown, 8 So that is a tough day. 9 and it will not be easy for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me with him whom I created alone, 11 and whom I have granted abundant wealth 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 And made life smooth and comfortable for him! 14 Yet he wants that I should give him more. 15 No! Indeed, he has been toward Our verses obstinate. 16 I shall inflict on him hardship, 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 Perish he! How maliciously he devised! 19 Again, death seized him, how was his determining! 20 and then he looks [around for new arguments,] 21 then frowned and scowled; 22 then he retreated and grew proud 23 Then said he: "This is nothing but magic, derived from of old; 24 It is nothing but the word of a mortal' 25 I will drive him into Saqar. 26 and what will teach thee what is Sakar? 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 it scorches (even) the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen (guards). 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