And We indeed destroyed townships surrounding you, and brought several signs so that they may desist. 27 So why did they – the ones whom they had chosen as Gods as a means of attaining Allah’s proximity – not help them? In fact the disbelievers lost them; and this is just their slander and fabrication. 28 AND LO! We caused a group of unseen beings to incline towards thee, [O Muhammad,] so that they might give ear to the Qur'an; and so, as soon as they became aware of it, they said [unto one another,] "Listen in silence!" And when [the recitation] was ended, they returned to their people as warners. 29 They said: O our people! verily we have hearkened unto a Book sent down after Musa, confirming that which was before it, guiding unto the truth and a straight path. 30 Our people, respond to the one who calls you to God. Believe in him! God will forgive you your sins and protect you from a painful punishment. 31 Those who do not favorably respond to the Messenger of God should know that they cannot challenge God on earth and will not have anyone as their guardian besides Him. Such people are in plain error". 32 Bethink they not that Allah Who created the heavens and the earth and was not fatigued with the creation thereof, is able to quicken the dead? Aye! verily He is over everything Potent. 33 And on the Day that the Unbelievers will be placed before the Fire, (they will be asked,) "Is this not the Truth?" they will say, "Yea, by our Lord!" (One will say:) "Then taste ye the Penalty, for that ye were wont to deny (Truth)!" 34 So be thou patient, as the Messengers possessed of constancy were also patient. Seek not to hasten it for them -- it shall be as if on the day they see that they are promised, they had not tarried but for an hour of a single day. A Message to be delivered! And shall any be destroyed but the people of the ungodly? 35