And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 So when they felt Our punishment, lo! they began to fly 12 Flee not, but return to the good things of this life which were given you, and to your homes in order that ye may be called to account. 13 They said: 'Alas for us we were harmdoers' 14 And that cry of theirs did not cease until We caused them to become [like] a field mown down, still and silent as ashes. 15 And We did not create the heaven and earth and that between them in play. 16 If We had pleased to make a plaything We could have made it Ourself, if We had cared to do so. 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 whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship). 19 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Have they appointed from the earth, Gods that create something? 21 Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe. 22 He will not be questioned about anything He does, but all people will be questioned about their deeds. 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 We have not sent an apostle before you without instructing him that there is no god but I, so worship Me. 25 They say, "The All Merciful has taken a son!" Glory be to Him! They are only His honoured servants: 26 They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His Command. 27 He knows what is before them and behind them, and they intercede not save for him with whom He is well-pleased, and they tremble in awe of Him. 28 ۞ And if any of them should say: "Verily, I am an ilah (a god) besides Him (Allah)," such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.). 29