The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 1 Rise up and warn! 2 And your Lord (Allah) magnify! 3 and purify your clothing, 4 And pollution shun. 5 And do not confer favor to acquire more 6 but unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 So that is a tough day. 9 Far from easy for those without Faith. 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 And gave him sons present before him. 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 Yet he desireth that I should give more. 15 By no means! Verily he hath been unto Our signs a foe. 16 Anon I shall afflict him with a fearful woe. 17 He reflected, and then determined 18 (Self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! 19 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted; 20 Then he beheld, 21 frowned and scowled, 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 and says, "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence handed down [from olden times]! 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 I will cast him into hell. 26 And what can make you know what is Saqar? 27 It does not allow anyone to live, and neither does it leave anyone to die; 28 It strips away the hide of man. 29 Over it are Nineteen. 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