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 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 purify your garments; 4 Pollution shun! 5 And do not favour others in order to receive more. 6 And persevere in the way of your Lord. 7 When the trumpet is sounded,. 8 that day will be a harsh day, 9 not of ease, for all who [now] deny the truth! 10 Leave Me with the one I created alone 11 and to whom I have granted resources vast, 12 and children living in his presence, 13 and for whom I have smoothed the way (to power and riches), 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Never. He is refractory of Our signs. 16 On him I shall impose a fearful doom. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 death seized him, how was his determining! 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then he looked round; 21 Then frowned and grimaced. 22 Then he turned back and was proud; 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 Soon will I cast him into Hell-Fire! 26 What could make you conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It neither spares, nor releases, 28 scorching the flesh; 29 Over it are nineteen [angels]. 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