The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O the Cloaked One! (Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) 1 Arise and warn! 2 proclaim the greatness of your Lord, 3 purify your garments; 4 And uncleanliness avoid 5 and bestow not favour in order to seek from others a greater return, 6 and for the sake of your Lord, be patient. 7 When the Trumpet shall be sounded, 8 that day will be a harsh day, 9 Far from easy for the disbelievers. 10 LEAVE Me alone [to deal] with him whom I have created alone, 11 and whom I have granted abundant wealth 12 And sons to be by his side!- 13 To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable! 14 and who still desires more. 15 Nay, verily, it is against Our messages that he knowingly, stubbornly sets himself 16 I will constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 He reflected and then hatched a scheme. 18 Perish he! How maliciously he devised! 19 Again, death seize him, how he determined! 20 and then he looks [around for new arguments,] 21 And frowned and puckered his brow, 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 said, "This (the Quran) is nothing but magic, inherited from ancient magicians. 24 'this is nothing but mortal speech.' 25 [Hence,] I shall cause him to endure hell-fire [in the life to come]! 26 And what could make thee conceive what hell-fire is? 27 It leaves nothing, nor does it spare; 28 and it burns the flesh. 29 Over it are 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