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 And your clothing purify 4 And banish all trepidation. 5 Do not bestow favours in expectation of return, 6 And for the good-will of thy Lord be thou patient. 7 And when the trumpet is blown, 8 that day will be a harsh day, 9 Not of ease, for disbelievers. 10 Leave him to Me whom I created alone, 11 And then bestowed upon him ample means, 12 And children to be by his side! 13 And made several preparations for him. 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Nay! He is forward unto Our signs; 16 I shall force him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 So accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 19 Again accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 20 Then he looked, 21 Then frowned and grimaced. 22 Then turned he back, and grew stiff-necked. 23 said, "This (the Quran) is nothing but magic, inherited from ancient magicians. 24 Nothing more than the speech of a man!" 25 Soon will I cast him into Hell-Fire! 26 And what knoweth thou that which the Scorching Fire? 27 It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)! 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 Over it are nineteen keepers. 30 We have appointed only angels to be wardens of the Fire, and their number have We made to be a stumbling-block for those who disbelieve; that those to whom the Scripture hath been given may have certainty, and that believers may increase in faith; and that those to whom the Scripture hath been given and believers may not doubt; and that those in whose hearts there is disease, and disbelievers, may say: What meaneth Allah by this similitude? Thus Allah sendeth astray whom He will, and whom He will He guideth. None knoweth the hosts of thy Lord save Him. This is naught else than a Reminder unto mortals. 31