Or has He taken daughters out of what He has created, and He has selected for you sons? 16 (They believe so although when) any of them is given tidings of the birth of a female child the like of which he assigns to the Merciful One, his countenance darkens and he is choked with grief. 17 What! that which is made in ornaments and which in contention is unable to make plain speech! 18 And they make into females angels who themselves serve Allah. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account! 19 Yet they say: "If Ar-Rahman had so pleased we would not have worshipped them." They have no knowledge of it in the least. They only make up lies. 20 Or have We given them any scripture before (this Qur'an) so that they are holding fast thereto? 21 Nay, but they say, 'We found our fathers upon a community, and we are guided upon their traces.' 22 Thus, We never sent an admonisher to a settlement before you but the decadent among them said. "We found our fathers following this way, and we are walking in their footsteps." 23 ۞ [Whereupon each prophet] would say: "Why, even though I bring you guidance better than that which you found your forefathers believing in?" - [to which] the others would reply, "Behold, we deny that there is any truth in [what you claim to be] your messages!" 24 Wherefore We took revenge on them. Behold, then how hath been the end of the beliers? 25