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LXXIV, 9-36. THE CHAPTER OF THE COVERED.
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difficult day! [10] for the misbelievers aught but easy!
Leave me alone with him I have created, and for whom I have made extensive wealth', and sons that he may look upon, and for whom I have smoothed things down. [15] Then he desires that I should increase! nay, verily, he is hostile to our signs! I will drive him up a hill! Then he reflected and planned! May he be killed,—how he planned ! [20] Again, may he be killed,-how he planned! Then he looked ; then he frowned and scowled; then he retreated and was big with pride and said, “This is only magic exhibited ! [25] this is only mortal speech !'- I will broil him in hell-fire! and what shall make thee know what hell-fire is? It will not leave and will not let alone. It scorches the flesh; [30] over it are nineteen (angels).
We have made only angels guardians of the fire, and we have only made their number a trial to those who misbelieve; that those who have been given the Book may be certain, and that those who believe may be increased in faith ; and that those who have been given the Book and the believers may not doubt; and that those in whose hearts is sickness, and the misbelievers may say, 'What does God mean by this as a parable ?'
Thus God leads astray whom He pleases, and guides him He pleases: and none knows the hosts of thy Lord save Himself; and it is only a reminder to mortals !
[35] Nay, by the moon! And the night when it retires !
1 The person meant is generally supposed to be Walîd ibn Mughâirah, one of the chiefs of the Qurâis.
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