We sent Moses with Our signs and with clear authority 96 to Pharaoh and his Council. But they followed the command of Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's command was not right minded. 97 [And so] he shall go before his people on the Day of Resurrection, having led them [in this world] towards the fire [of the life to come]; and vile was the destination towards which they were led 98 And a curse followed them in the world, and on the Day of Resurrection; what a wretched gift is what they received. 99 That is from the news of the cities, which We relate to you; of them, some are [still] standing and some are [as] a harvest [mowed down]. 100 We were not unjust to them but they were unjust to themselves. The idols which they worshipped instead of God were of no help to them when Our decree came to pass. The idols only brought about their destruction. 101 And even such is the overtaking of thy Lord when He overtaketh the cities while they are wrong-doers; verily His overtaking is afflictive, severe. 102 Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter. That is a Day whereon mankind will be gathered together, and that is a Day when all (the dwellers of the heavens and the earth) will be present. 103 We will only postpone it until a predetermined time, 104 When that Day arrives no soul shall speak except by His permission. Some shall be wretched, and others happy. 105 And those who are doomed, will be in Hell: For them will be sighing and sobbing, 106 Remaining in it as long as the heavens and the earth remain, except as much as your Lord willed*; indeed your Lord may do whatever, whenever, He wills. (* Remaining forever even after the heavens and the earth are destroyed.) 107 ۞ And as for those who will be glad (that day) they will be in the Garden, abiding there so long as the heavens and the earth endure save for that which thy Lord willeth: a gift unfailing. 108 Have no doubt that these people worship (idols). They worship what their fathers had worshipped before them. We will give them the exact recompense that they deserve. 109