The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 Rise up and warn! 2 And your Lord (Allah) magnify! 3 And thy garments keep free from stain! 4 And uncleanliness avoid 5 and bestow not favour in order to seek from others a greater return, 6 And for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 For when the trumpet is sounded, 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 Dolorous for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 And gave him vast wealth. 12 And sons dwelling in his presence, 13 and for whom I have smoothed the way (to power and riches), 14 Yet he wants that I should give him more. 15 Nay! For lo! he hath been stubborn to Our revelations. 16 I shall inflict on him hardship, 17 He planned and plotted. 18 and woe to him; how he plotted! 19 Again, ruin seize him, how did he hatch a scheme? 20 and then he looks [around for new arguments,] 21 then he frowned, and scowled, 22 and he turned his back and behaved arrogantly 23 Then he said: "This is nothing but magic from that of old; 24 These are only words from a mere mortal". 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 - Ah, what will convey unto thee what that burning is! - 27 It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing [unburned], 28 It shrivelleth the man. 29 Above it are nineteen guards. 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