And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 Then when they perceived Our violence, lo! they were from it fleeing. 12 Flee not, and return unto that wherein ye luxuriated and your habitations, haply ye will be questioned. 13 "Woe, alas," they said, "we were really sinful." 14 So they ceased not to cry, until We made them stubble, silent and still. 15 AND [know that] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play: 16 Had We intended to take a pastime (i.e. a wife or a son, etc.), We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that). 17 Nay, but [by the very act of creation] We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it crushes the latter: and lo! it withers away. But woe unto you for all your [attempts at] defining [God] 18 To Him belongs whosoever dwells in the heavens and on earth. Those (angels) that are with Him neither disdain to serve Him out of pride, nor do they weary of it. 19 They glorify Him day and night without fail. 20 Or, have they taken earthly gods who revive the dead? 21 Why, were there gods in earth and heaven other than God, they would surely go to ruin; so glory be to God, the Lord of the Throne, above that they describe! 22 He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away. 24 To all the Messengers that were sent before you We revealed that I am the only God to be worshipped. 25 They say: "The Most Compassionate Lord has taken to Himself a son." Glory be to Him! Those whom they so designate are only His honoured servants. 26 They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command. 27 He knows whatever is before them and whatsoever is remote from them and they do not intercede except for him, intercession on whose behalf pleases Him, and they stand constantly in awe of Him. 28 ۞ And whoever of them should say: Surely I am a god besides Him, such a one do We recompense with hell; thus do, We recompense the unjust. 29