The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 Arise and warn! 2 Glorify your Lord, 3 Purify your inner self, 4 And all defilement shun! 5 do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 6 For the sake of thy Lord, be patient! 7 And [warn all men that] when the trumpet-call [of resurrection] is sounded, 8 That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,- 9 not an easy day for the unbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!- 11 and appointed for him ample wealth 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 and yet, he greedily desires that I give yet more! 15 Never will he receive more. He has been hostile to Our revelations. 16 I shall soon constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Verily he considered, and devised. 18 Perish he! How maliciously he devised! 19 Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!- 20 May he be condemned again for his schemes! He looked around, 21 Then frowned he and showed displeasure. 22 Then he turned back and was proud; 23 And said: "This is nothing but the magic of old, 24 "This is nothing but the word of a human being!" 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 - Ah, what will convey unto thee what that burning is! - 27 It shall not spare, nor leave. 28 making [all truth] visible to mortal man. 29 there are nineteen [angels] in charge of it -- 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