The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O YOU ENFOLDED in your mantle (of reform), 1 Arise, and warn, 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 And your garments do purify, 4 And all defilement shun! 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 And for the good-will of thy Lord be thou patient. 7 When the Horn is blown, 8 that will surely be a hard day, 9 It will not be easy for those who deny the truth. 10 Leave Me with him whom I created alone, 11 And to whom I granted extensive wealth 12 and sons that stand in witness. 13 and for whom I have smoothed the way (to power and riches), 14 And yet he desires that I should add more! 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 Anon I shall afflict him with a fearful woe. 17 Indeed, he thought and deliberated. 18 But may he be cursed how he plotted; 19 yea, he destroys himself, the way he meditates! 20 Then he beheld, 21 Then he frowned and scowled; 22 Then he turned back and was arrogant 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 This is not but the word of a human being." 25 I will cast him into hell. 26 What do you think Hell-fire is? 27 It leaves nothing, nor does it spare; 28 Darkening and changing the colour of man! 29 Over it are appointed nineteen. 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