a large group of the earlier people 39 And a (goodly) number from those of later times. 40 And those on the left hand: What of those on the left hand? 41 [They will find themselves] in the midst of scorching winds, and burning despair, 42 Under the shadow of thick black smoke 43 (That shadow) neither cool, nor (even) good, 44 Surely they were before that made to live in ease and plenty. 45 And persisted obstinately in wickedness supreme! 46 And they used to say, "When we die and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected? 47 What, and our fathers, the ancients?' 48 Say thou: verily the ancients and those of later generations: 49 "All will surely be gathered together for appointed Meeting of a known Day. 50 Then you people who had gone astray and rejected the Truth 51 shall all eat from the Tree of al-Zaqqum, 52 filling your bellies with it; 53 And drink over it scalding water, 54 And will drink as the drinking of thirsty camels. 55 This shall be their entertainment on the Day of Judgement. 56 It is He who created you, then why do you not affirm the truth? 57 Have you seen sperm? 58 Do you yourselves create it, or are We the Creators? 59 We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated 60 that We may exchange the likes of you, and make you to grow again in a fashion you know not. 61 And you have indeed learnt about the first creation, so why do you not ponder? 62 Just ponder over what you sow: 63 Do you make it grow or is it We who make it grow? 64 Had We wanted, We could have crushed it to bits and you would have been left to lament, 65 "We are ruined, 66 Rather, we have been prevented' 67 Behold! the water which ye drink: 68 Is it you who sent it down from the clouds or is it We who have sent it down? 69 If We so pleased, We certainly could make it salty. Why, then, are you not grateful? 70 Behold! the fire which ye strike out: 71 Produce ye the tree thereof, or are We the Producer? 72 We Ourselves made it for a reminder, and a boon to the desert-dwellers. 73 Then glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great. 74