The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 arise and warn, 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 Thy raiment purify, 4 And uncleanness do shun, 5 And do not confer favor to acquire more 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 And [warn all men that] when the trumpet-call [of resurrection] is sounded, 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 for the unbelievers not easy. 10 Leave him to Me, the one whom I created single. 11 And for whom I appointed wealth extended. 12 And sons abiding in his presence 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 And who yet coveteth that shall increase. 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 I will cover him with arduous torment. 17 He reflected, and then determined 18 So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 19 May be then be accursed, how he plotted! 20 He looked (at others); 21 then frowned and scowled; 22 Then he turned back and was arrogant 23 And said, “This is nothing but magic learnt from earlier men.” 24 It is nothing but the word of a mortal' 25 I will drive him into Saqar. 26 Would that you really knew what hell is! 27 It spares not, neither leaves alone 28 it scorches (even) the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen keepers. 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