We did reveal to Moses the Book after We had destroyed the earlier generations, (to give) Insight to men, and guidance and Mercy, that they might receive admonition. 43 (O Muhammad), you were then not on the western side when We bestowed this commandment (of Law), and you were not among its witnesses. 44 but We raised up generations, and long their lives continued. Neither wast thou a dweller among the Midianites, reciting to them Our signs; but We were sending Messengers. 45 Nor were you on the side of the Mount (Sinai) when We called out to Moses (in the first instance). But it is out of Mercy from your Lord (that you are being informed of all this) so that you may warn a people to whom no warner came before you. Maybe they will take heed. 46 to whom no warner had been sent that perhaps they might take heed, and that, on experiencing afflictions because of their own deeds, they may not say, "Lord, would that You had sent to us a Messenger so that we could follow Your revelations and become believers". 47 And yet, now that the truth has come unto them from Us, they say: "Why has he not been vouchsafed the like of what Moses was vouchsafed?" But did they not also, before this, deny the truth of what Moses was vouchsafed? [For] they do say: "Two examples of delusion, [seemingly] supporting each other!" And they add, "Behold, we refuse to accept either of them as true!" 48 Say thou: then bring a Book from before Allah, that is better in guidance than these two, I shall follow it - if ye are truth-tellers. 49 And if they answer thee not, then know that what they follow is their lusts. And who goeth farther astray than he who followeth his lust without guidance from Allah. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. 50