The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 Rise up and warn! 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 And stay away from idols. 5 Give not, thinking to gain greater 6 but unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 And [warn all men that] when the trumpet-call [of resurrection] is sounded, 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 not an easy day for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me with the one I created alone 11 and designated for him ample wealth, 12 And sons present by his side. 13 I made things smooth and easy for him, 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Nay! For lo! he hath been stubborn to Our revelations. 16 I shall inflict on him hardship, 17 He reflected, and then determined 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 May he be condemned again for his schemes! He looked around, 21 Then he frowned and he scowled; 22 Then turned he back, and grew stiff-necked. 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 "This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 And what knoweth thou that which the Scorching Fire? 27 It does not allow to live, and neither leaves [to die,] 28 Darkening and changing the colour of man! 29 Over it are nineteen (guards). 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