Vanity (Al-Zukhruf)
Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Ha-Mim 1 By the Clear Book; 2 behold, We have caused it to be a discourse in the Arabic tongue, so that you might encompass it with your reason. 3 And Verily, it (this Quran) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before Us, indeed Exalted, full of Wisdom. 4 Shall We then take away the Message from you and repel (you), for that ye are a people transgressing beyond bounds? 5 And how many a Prophet have We sent amongst the men of old. 6 And whenever any Prophet came to them, they only mocked at him. 7 We utterly destroyed them although they were greater in might than these. The examples of ancient peoples have gone before. 8 And if you should ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth? they would most certainly say: The Mighty, the Knowing One, has created them; 9 (Yea, the same that) has made for you the earth (like a carpet) spread out, and has made for you roads (and channels) therein, in order that ye may find guidance (on the way); 10 And (it is He), who sends down water from the sky in its measure thereby We revive the land that was dead, as such you shall be brought forth. 11 It is He who has created everything in pairs and the ships and cattle for you to ride, 12 so that you may sit firmly on their backs. Then once you have mounted them, remember your Lord's favour and say, "Glory be to Him who has subjected these creatures to us; we would never on our own have subdued them. 13 And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return! 14 And from* His bondmen, they appointed a portion for Him; man is indeed an open ingrate. (* Appointed some of His creation as His sons and daughters). 15