The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O you (Muhammad SAW) enveloped (in garments)! 1 stand up, deliver your warning, 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 thy robes purify 4 and flee from the statues! 5 Do not bestow favours in expectation of return, 6 And be patient for the sake of your Lord (i.e. perform your duty to Allah)! 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day, 9 not of ease, for all who [now] deny the truth! 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 and appointed for him ample wealth 12 and children as [love's] witnesses, 13 and to whose life I gave so wide a scope: 14 yet he is eager that I increase him. 15 Nay! Verily, he has been stubborn and opposing Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). 16 I will cover him with arduous torment. 17 Behold, [when Our messages are conveyed to one who is bent on denying the truth,] he reflects and meditates [as to how to disprove them] 18 So let him be cursed! How he plotted! 19 Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!- 20 May he be condemned again for his schemes! He looked around, 21 frowned and scowled; 22 Then turned he away in pride 23 Then said he: "This is nothing but magic, derived from of old; 24 These are only words from a mere mortal". 25 I will drive him into Saqar. 26 And what have you understood, what hell is! 27 It leaves nothing, nor does it spare; 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 Over it are nineteen (angels guarding). 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