And (as to) those who reject Our communications, We draw them near (to destruction) by degrees from whence they know not. 182 And (for this purpose) I will grant them respite. My design is incontrovertible. 183 Have they not reflected that their companion is not mad? He is only a plain warner. 184 Have they not contemplated the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything created by God, (to educe) that perhaps their own term is drawing to a close? In what lore after this would they then believe? 185 Whomsoever Allah sendeth astray, no guide is then for him, and He letteth them wander perplexed in their exorbitance. 186 They ask you about the hour, when will be its taking place? Say: The knowledge of it is only with my Lord; none but He shall manifest it at its time; it will be momentous in the heavens and the earth; it will not come on you but of a sudden. They ask you as if you were solicitous about it. Say: Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most people do not know. 187 Say [O Prophet]: "It is not within my power to bring benefit to, or avert harm from, myself, except as God may please. And if I knew that which is beyond the reach of human perception, abundant good fortune - would surely have fallen to my lot, and no evil would ever have touched me. I am nothing but a warner, and a herald of glad tidings unto people who will believe." 188