We sent Moses with Our signs and with clear authority 96 to Pharaoh and his nobles. But they followed the command of Pharaoh and the command of Pharaoh was not rightly directed. 97 He shall lead his people on the resurrection day, and bring them down to the fire; and evil the place to which they are brought. 98 And there was sent following after them in this world a curse, and upon the Day of Resurrection -- evil the offering to be offered! 99 THIS ACCOUNT of the [fate of those ancient] communities - some of them still remaining, and some [extinct like] a field mown-down - We convey unto thee [as a lesson for mankind]: 100 for, no wrong did We do to them, but it was they who wronged themselves. And when thy Sustainer's judgment came to pass, those deities of theirs which they had been wont to invoke instead of God proved of no avail whatever to them, and brought them no more than utter perdition. 101 Such is the punishment of your Lord when He seizes the towns in the midst of their sins: His punishing grip is terrible and severe. 102 In this surely is a sign for him who fears the torment of the Hereafter, the day when mankind will be assembled together, which will be a day when all things would become evident. 103 and which We shall not delay beyond a term set [by Us]. 104 When that day comes, no one will speak without His permission; so among them are the ill-fated and the fortunate. 105 Now as for those who [by their deeds] will have brought wretchedness upon themselves, [they shall live] in the fire, where they will have [nothing but] moans and sobs [to relieve their pain,] 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 ۞ So those who are fortunate are in Paradise – abiding in it as long as the heavens and the earth remain, except as much as your Lord willed; this is the everlasting favour. 108 So be not thou in dubitation concerning that which these people worship. They worship not save as their fathers worshipped afore; and verily We will repay unto them in full their portion, undiminished. 109