How many a town (community), that were wrong-doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people! 11 When they found Our torment approaching them they started to run away from the town. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 They cried, “Woe to us, we were indeed unjust!” 14 And this ceased not to be their cry until We made them a harvest reaped, extinguished. 15 It was not in play that We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. 16 If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)! 17 In fact We strike the truth against the false, which shatters it, and it disappears. Woe to you for what you attribute (to Him)! 18 And to Him only belong all those who are in the heavens and in the earth; and those with Him are not conceited towards worshipping Him, nor do they tire. 19 They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. 20 Have they chosen deities from earth? Can such deities give life to anyone? 21 Had there been in between the twain gods except Allah surely the twain would have gone to ruin. Hallowed be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from that which they utter! 22 He shall not be questioned as to what He does, but they shall he questioned. 23 Have they chosen other gods besides God? (Muhammad), ask them, "Show the proof (in support of such belief). This is (the Quran) which tells us about the (beliefs of the people) in my time and those who lived before me." Most of them do not know. Moreover, the truth is that they neglect (the question of belief altogether). 24 And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): There is no Allah save Me (Allah), so worship Me. 25 And they say; the Compassionate hath taken a son. Hallowed be He! aye! they are bondmen honoured. 26 These servants do not speak before He speaks. They simply act according to His orders. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for him whom He likes, and they fear with awe of Him. (The Holy Prophets and virtuous people will be given the permission to intercede. Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – will be the first to intercede.) 28 ۞ If any of them says, 'I am a god apart from Him', such a one We recompense with Gehenna; even so We recompense the evildoers. 29