To whosoever blinds himself from the Remembrance of the Merciful, We shall assign him a satan so he is his companion, 36 and these satans hinder them from the Right Path, while he still reckons himself to be rightly-guided. 37 Until when he comes to Us, he says: O would that between me and you there were the distance of the East and the West; so evil is the associate! 38 And never will it benefit you that Day, when you have wronged, that you are [all] sharing in the punishment. 39 Canst thou then make the deaf to hear, or give direction to the blind or to such as (wander) in manifest error? 40 But whether We do [or do not] take thee away [ere thy message prevails] - verily, We shall inflict Our retribution on them; 41 Or (if) We show thee that wherewith We threaten them; for lo! We have complete command of them. 42 Therefore, hold fast to that which is revealed to you, indeed, you are on the Straight Path. 43 And it is undoubtedly an honour for you and your people; and you will soon be questioned. 44 Ask those of Our messengers whom We sent before you, "Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Beneficent One?" 45