The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O thou shrouded in thy mantle, 1 Arise and warn, 2 and magnify the glory of your Lord, 3 purify your garments; 4 and defilement flee! 5 Do not bestow favours in expectation of return, 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 Then when the horn shall be blown, 8 That shall be - that Day - a day hard. 9 For the unbelievers, anything but easy. 10 Leave to Me the one, whom I have created all by Myself, 11 and whom I have granted abundant wealth 12 And gave him sons present before him. 13 And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. 14 After all that he desires that I should give more; 15 Never. He is refractory of Our signs. 16 I shall force him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 He reflected and then hatched a scheme. 18 And woe to him! How he plotted!- 19 What an evil plan he has made! 20 Then he thought; 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 then turned back, and swelling-up with pride, 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 I will surely roast him in the Scorching. 26 What will let you know what the Scorching is like! 27 It spares nothing; it leaves nothing intact; 28 It scorches people's skin 29 Over it are 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