And certainly We sent (apostles) to nations before you then We seized them with distress and affliction in order that they might humble themselves. 42 When the affliction decreed by Us befell them, they did not humble themselves, but rather their hearts hardened, for Satan had made all their doings seem fair to them. 43 Then when they forgot that whereof they were reminded We opened upon them the doors of everything, until when they boasted of that which they were given, We laid hold of them on a sudden, and lo! they were dumbfounded. 44 So of the people who did wrong the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds! 45 Say, "If God should take away your hearing and your sight and seal your hearts, who is the deity who could restore it to you save God?" See how We explain the signs to them in diverse ways, yet they turn away. 46 Say: "Think ye, if the punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong? 47 We send the messengers only to give good news and to warn, so those who believe and reform themselves need have no fear, nor will they grieve. 48 But those who belie Our verses, punishment shall touch them for their misdeeds. 49 Tell them: "I do not say that I possess the treasures of God, or have knowledge of the Unknown, or that I am an angel. I only follow what is sent down to me." And say: "How can a blind man and a man who can see, be alike? Will you not reflect?" 50