The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou enveloped! 1 Rise up and warn! 2 And thine Lord magnify! 3 purify your garments; 4 And all defilement shun! 5 and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God. 6 but unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 Finally, when the Trumpet is sounded, 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 For the unbelievers, anything but easy. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 And gave him abundant wealth 12 and sons ever present with him, 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 and who still greedily desires that I should bestow upon him more. 15 Never will he receive more. He has been hostile to Our revelations. 16 I shall inflict on him hardship, 17 Behold, [when Our messages are conveyed to one who is bent on denying the truth,] he reflects and meditates [as to how to disprove them] 18 death seize him, how he determined! 19 May be then be accursed, how he plotted! 20 Then he looked round; 21 Then frowned and grimaced. 22 Then turned he away in pride 23 Then he said: "This is nothing but magic from that of old; 24 It is nothing but the word of a mortal' 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 What could make you conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 It glows and burns the skin. 29 Over it are Nineteen. 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