We have indeed sent (apostles) to many a people before you, and inflicted upon them hardships and afflictions so that they might submit. 42 If only they humbled themselves when Our scourge overtook them! But their hearts were hardened, and satan decorated to them what they were doing. 43 When they had become oblivious of what they were warned, We opened wide the gates of everything to them; yet as they rejoiced at what they were given, We caught them unawares, and they were filled with despair. 44 Thus the last remnant of those wrongdoing people was cut off. All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the entire universe, (for having punished them so). 45 Say: "What do you think? If God should take away your hearing and your sight and seal your hearts - what deity but God is there that could bring it all back to you?" Behold how many facets we give to our messages - and yet they turn away in disdain! 46 Say: Have you considered if the chastisement of Allah should overtake you suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed but the unjust people? 47 And We send not apostles but as announcers of good news and givers of warning, then whoever believes and acts aright, they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. 48 But those who reject our signs,- them shall punishment touch, for that they ceased not from transgressing. 49 (O Muhammad!) Say: 'I do not say to you I have the treasures of Allah. Nor do I have knowledge of what is beyond the reach of human perception. Nor do I say to you: I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Then ask them: 'Are the blind and the seeing alike?' Do you not then reflect? 50