The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O you enveloped in your cloak! 1 arise, and warn! 2 and magnify the glory of your Lord, 3 thy robes purify 4 and flee from the statues! 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 And when the trumpet is blown, 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 Dolorous for the unbelievers. 10 Let Me alone with him whom I created lonely. 11 And then granted him resources in abundance. 12 And children present [with him] 13 and to whose life I gave so wide a scope: 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Nay, verily, it is against Our messages that he knowingly, stubbornly sets himself 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 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then he considered [again]; 21 Then frowned and grimaced. 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 It is nothing but the word of a mortal' 25 I shall make him suffer the torment of hell. 26 And what will make you realize what hell is? 27 It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing [unburned], 28 It scorches the mortal. 29 there are nineteen [angels] in charge of it -- 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