The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O THOU [in thy solitude] enfolded! 1 Arise and warn 2 and exalt your Lord, 3 and purify your robes, 4 stay away from sins 5 And do not favour others in order to receive more. 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 For when the trumpet shall sound, 8 that shall be a Harsh Day 9 and for the disbelievers, in particular, it will not be at all easy. 10 Leave Me with him whom I created alone, 11 And then bestowed upon him ample means, 12 And sons to be by his side!- 13 And I adjusted affairs for him adjustably; 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 will constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 19 Again, ruin seize him, how did he hatch a scheme? 20 He looked (at others); 21 Then frowned he and showed displeasure. 22 Then turned he away in pride 23 Then he said: This is naught but enchantment, narrated (from others); 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 I shall surely roast him in Sakar; 26 And what knoweth thou that which the Scorching Fire? 27 It leaves naught nor does it spare aught. 28 Burning the skins! 29 Over it are appointed nineteen. 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