The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 arise and warn, 2 Glorify your Lord, 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 shun uncleanness; 5 And do not through giving seek thyself to gain, 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 When the Horn is blown, 8 That Day will be a difficult day 9 For the infidels, not easy. 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 And sons to be by his side!- 13 And made several preparations for him. 14 and who still greedily desires that I should bestow upon him more. 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 We shall make him suffer the torment of hell without relief. 17 For he thought and he plotted -- 18 death seized him, how was his determining! 19 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted; 20 Then he considered [again]; 21 Then he frowned and scowled, 22 Then he turned back and was haughty; 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 This is not but the word of a human being." 25 Him shall I fling unto the burning. 26 and what will teach thee what is Sakar? 27 It spares nothing; it leaves nothing intact; 28 It scorches the mortal. 29 Over it are nineteen (guards). 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