The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! 1 arise and give warning! 2 And your Lord glorify 3 And your garments purify! 4 And stay away from idols. 5 Do not bestow favours in expectation of return, 6 But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant! 7 Then, when the Trumpet is sounded (i.e. its second blowing); 8 It will be a day of distress, 9 Not easy upon the disbelievers. 10 Leave Me alone with he whom I created 11 and appointed for him ample wealth 12 And children present [with him] 13 and made all things smooth for him; 14 Yet he desires that I should give more. 15 By no means! surely he offers opposition to Our communications. 16 I shall soon constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 For he had thought and calculated. 18 And woe to him! How he plotted!- 19 And once more let him be cursed, how he plotted! 20 Then he beheld, 21 Then frowned he and scowled. 22 then he retreated and waxed proud, 23 Then he said: This is naught but enchantment, narrated (from others); 24 This is nothing but the word of mortal man!" 25 Him shall I soon roast in Hell. 26 and what will teach thee what is Sakar? 27 It leaves nothing, nor does it spare; 28 It glows and burns the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen (guards). 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