The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ Alif. Lam. Ra. THESE ARE MESSAGES of revelation - of a discourse clear in itself and clearly showing the truth. 1 Perhaps those who disbelieve will wish that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them alone; let them eat and enjoy themselves the while the hope [of vain delights] beguiles them: for in time they will come to know [the truth]. 3 And never did We destroy a township but there was a known decree for it. 4 No nation can outstrip its term, nor do they put it back. 5 They say, "You to whom the Reminder [the Quran] has been sent down, you are surely possessed. 6 "Why bringest thou not angels to us if it be that thou hast the Truth?" 7 [Yet] We never send down angels otherwise than in accordance with the [demands of] truth; and [were the angels to appear now,] lo! they [who reject this divine writ] would have no further respite! 8 It is We who sent down the Koran, and We watch over it. 9 AND, INDEED, [O Prophet,] even before thy time did We send [Our apostles] unto communities of old 10 and not a single Messenger came to them, but they mocked at him; 11 Even so We make a way for it (that is, the Admonition) in the hearts of the culprits (like a hot rod); 12 They believe not therein, and already the example of the ancients hath gone forth. 13 Though We opened to them a gate in heaven, and still they mounted through it, 14 they would surely have said, "It is only our eyes that are spellbound! Nay, we have been bewitched! 15