How many communities of evil-doers We have destroyed, raising up other people after them. 11 So when they felt Our punishment, lo! they began to fly 12 'Run not! Return you unto the luxury that you exulted in, and your dwelling-places; haply you shall be questioned.' 13 They said: "Ah! woe to us! We were indeed wrong-doers!" 14 They did not cease to cry this until We reduced them to stubble, still and silent. 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 that We should choose a sport, surely We would choose it from before Us - if We were ever going to do that. 17 Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe. 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 glorify (Him) by night and day; they are never languid. 20 Or have they chosen gods from the earth who raise the dead? 21 Had there been gods in heaven or earth, other than Allah, both would indeed have been ruined. Exalted be Allah, 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 gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], "Produce your proof. This [Qur'an] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me." But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away. 24 We sent all messengers before you with this revelation: "There is no deity save Me, so worship Me alone." 25 And they say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) servants raised to honour. 26 They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His Command. 27 He knows all that is in front of them and all that is behind them. (These servants of God) will not intercede with Him for anyone without His permission and they tremble in awe (before His greatness). 28 ۞ If any of them says, 'I am a god apart from Him', such a one We recompense with Gehenna; even so We recompense the evildoers. 29