How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? 11 When they found Our torment approaching them they started to run away from the town. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 They said, "Woe to us! We were indeed wrongdoers," 14 And this their crying ceased not till We made them as reaped corn, extinct. 15 And We created not the heaven and the earth and that which is in between in play. 16 Had We intended to take a diversion, We could have taken it from [what is] with Us - if [indeed] We were to do so. 17 Aye! We hurl truth against falsehood, so that it braineth it, and lo! it vanisheth; and to you be the woe for that which ye utter! 18 To Him belongs all those who are in the heavens and the earth. Those who are closer to Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they get tired of worshipping. 19 They never fail to exalt Him either at night or in the day. 20 Or, have they taken earthly gods who revive the dead? 21 had there been in heaven or on earth any deities other than God, both [those realms would surely have fallen into ruin! But limitless in His glory is God, enthroned in His awesome almightiness far] above anything that men may devise by way of definition! 22 He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs). 23 Have they taken gods besides God? Say: "Then bring your proof. Here is the Book of those who are with me, and the Book of those who have gone before me." But most men do not know the truth and turn away. 24 And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." 25 And they say, "The Most Merciful has taken a son." Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honored servants. 26 who do not surpass Him in speech, and do as He commands. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for him whom He likes, and they fear with awe of Him. (The Holy Prophets and virtuous people will be given the permission to intercede. Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – will be the first to intercede.) 28 ۞ And whoever of them should say: Surely I am a god besides Him, such a one do We recompense with hell; thus do, We recompense the unjust. 29