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 Arise and warn 2 Proclaim the glory of your Lord; 3 and purify your clothing, 4 And banish all trepidation. 5 And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of Allah's obedience as a favour to Allah). 6 But for your Lord be patient. 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 that very Day shall be a day of anguish, 9 For the disbelievers - not easy. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 And give him vast riches, 12 And children present [with him] 13 And made (life) smooth for him. 14 Yet he desireth that I should give more. 15 Never will he receive more. He has been hostile to Our revelations. 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 For he thought and he plotted;- 18 And woe to him! How he plotted!- 19 Again (self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! - 20 Then he looked, 21 then frowned and scowled; 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 “This is nothing but the speech of a man.” 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 What could make you conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It does not allow anyone to live, and neither does it leave anyone to die; 28 it scorches the skin; 29 there are nineteen [angels] in charge of it -- 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