The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 arise and warn, 2 Glorify your Lord, 3 And your clothing purify 4 And uncleanliness avoid 5 and do not think that by doing such deeds, you have done a great favor to God. 6 And be patient for the sake of your Lord (i.e. perform your duty to Allah)! 7 When the Trumpet is sounded, 8 So that is a tough day. 9 Dolorous for the unbelievers. 10 Leave him to Me whom I created alone, 11 To whom I granted resources in abundance, 12 And sons dwelling in his presence, 13 whose life I have made run smoothly 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 Nay! Verily, he has been stubborn and opposing Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). 16 Soon I shall mount him on Saood, the hill of fire. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 So let him be cursed! How he plotted! 19 Again accursed be he, how evilly did he decide! 20 Then he looked, 21 Then frowned and grimaced. 22 Then he turned back and was big with pride, 23 Then he said: This is naught but enchantment, narrated (from others); 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 Would that you really knew what hell is! 27 It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing [unburned], 28 making [all truth] visible to mortal man. 29 Over it are Nineteen. 30 We have appointed only angels to be wardens of the Fire. We have specified their number only as a trial for those who are bent on denying the truth, so that those who were given the Book might gain in certainty, and those who believe might increase in faith -- and so that neither those who have been given the Scripture nor the believers might have any doubts, and that those sick at heart and those who deny the truth might ask, "What does God mean by this parable?" In this way, God lets go astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. And none knows the forces of your Lord but He. This is but a Reminder for man. 31