The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O, you, wrapped in your cloak, 1 arise and give warning! 2 And thy Lord do thou magnify! 3 and purify your clothing, 4 and shun uncleanness, 5 and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God. 6 For the sake of thy Lord, be patient! 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 for the unbelievers not easy. 10 Leave Me (to deal) with him whom I created lonely, 11 To whom I granted resources in abundance, 12 and sons ever present with him, 13 I made things smooth and easy for him, 14 Yet he desires that I should give more. 15 Nay! For lo! he hath been stubborn to Our revelations. 16 I shall oblige him to (climb a slippery mountain in the Hell-fire called As-Sa'ud, or to) face a severe torment! 17 He reflected and then hatched a scheme. 18 and thus he destroys himself, the way he meditates: 19 Again (self-)destroyed is he, how he planned! - 20 Then he looked, 21 Then frowned he and scowled. 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 And said: This is naught else than magic from of old; 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 [Hence,] I shall cause him to endure hell-fire [in the life to come]! 26 - Ah, what will convey unto thee what that burning is! - 27 It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)! 28 Blackening the skins. 29 Over it are nineteen (angels guarding). 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