How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? 11 When they felt Our punishment coming upon them, they began to flee from it. 12 (They were told): "Flee not, but return to your comforts and to your dwellings. You are likely to be questioned." 13 "Woe, alas," they said, "we were really sinful." 14 They did not cease to cry this until We reduced them to stubble, still and silent. 15 We have not created the heavens and the earth, and all that lies between them, out of fun. 16 If We had pleased to make a plaything We could have made it Ourself, if We had cared to do so. 17 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us). 18 To Him belongs all those who are in the heavens and the earth. Those who are closer to Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they get tired of worshipping. 19 they extol His limitless glory by night and by day, never flagging [therein]. 20 Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (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 None shall question Him about what He does, but they shall 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 And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." 25 They said, "The Beneficent God has given birth to a son. He is too Exalted to give birth to a son." (Those whom they think are God's sons) are only His honorable servants. 26 They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command. 27 He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive. 28 ۞ And whosoever of them should say: verily I am a god beside Him, such a one We shall requite with Hell; thus We requite the wrong-doers. 29