The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Book, and a plain Quran. 1 How strongly the unbelievers will wish that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them to eat and enjoy life and let false hopes amuse them. They will soon come to know. 3 And never did We destroy a township but there was a known decree for it. 4 No people can hasten or delay the term already fixed for them. 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 We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment, etc.), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite! 8 We Ourselves have revealed the Quran and We are its Protectors. 9 We sent Messengers to the ancient people who lived before you. 10 but there was never a messenger who came to them but they mocked him: 11 thus We cause this [habit of mocking] to enter into the hearts of the sinful. 12 they believe not in it, though the wont of the ancients is already gone. 13 If We opened a gate in the heaven and they kept ascending through it, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15