The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O you enveloped in your cloak! 1 Arise and warn 2 and exalt your Lord, 3 thy robes purify 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 unto thy Sustainer turn in patience. 7 And [warn all men that] when the trumpet-call [of resurrection] is sounded, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 For the infidels, not easy. 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 and whom I have granted abundant wealth 12 And sons to be by his side!- 13 and whom I have provided with every resource, 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 I shall force him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 For he thought and he plotted;- 18 May he be accursed, how he planned! 19 Again, death seize him, how he determined! 20 He looked (at others); 21 Then he frowned and scowled; 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 "This is nothing but the word of a mortal!" 25 Anon shall I roast him into the Scorching Fire. 26 And what do you know what Hell is? 27 It shall not spare, nor leave. 28 It strips away the hide of man. 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