The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O you (Prophet Muhamad), the cloaked, 1 Arise and warn! 2 and exalt your Lord, 3 And thine raiment purify. 4 and shun uncleanness, 5 Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)! 6 be patient unto your Lord. 7 For when the trumpet blows 8 it will be a hard day 9 For the unbelievers, anything but easy. 10 Leave Me and him whom I created alone, 11 and whom I have granted abundant wealth 12 And sons abiding in his presence 13 and whom I have provided with every resource, 14 Yet he desires that I should give more. 15 By no means! Verily he hath been unto Our signs a foe. 16 [and so] I shall constrain him to endure a painful uphill climb! 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 death seized him, how was his determining! 19 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted; 20 Then he thought; 21 Then he frowned and scowled; 22 Then turned his back and waxed proud, 23 And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. 24 "This is nothing but the word of a human being!" 25 I will cast him into Hell-fire 26 What could make you conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It neither leaves, nor spares. 28 It shrivelleth the man. 29 Over it are nineteen [angels]. 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