How many a town (community), that were wrong-doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people! 11 And when they tasted Our punishment, they immediately started fleeing from it. 12 They were told, "Do not try to flee, but return to the comfort and luxuries in which you exulted and to the places where you lived, so that you may be questioned." 13 They cried: Alas for us! we were wrong-doers. 14 And that cry of theirs did not cease until We caused them to become [like] a field mown down, still and silent as ashes. 15 Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! 16 If We had wished to find a pastime, We could have found it in Our presence - if We ever did. 17 Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe. 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and the earth; and those who are with Him wax not too proud to do Him service neither grow weary, 19 They glorify Him night and day, without flagging. 20 Or have they chosen gods from the earth who raise the dead? 21 Had there been gods in heaven or earth, other than Allah, both would indeed have been ruined. Exalted be Allah, Lord of the Throne, above that they describe. 22 He is not to be questioned about what He does, but they shall be 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 We have not sent an apostle before you without instructing him that there is no god but I, so worship Me. 25 And [yet,] some say: "The Most Gracious has taken unto Himself a son"! Limitless is He in His glory! Nay, [those whom they regard as God's "offspring" are but His] honoured servants: 26 They did not precede Him in their speech, and acted on His command. 27 He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory). 28 ۞ And the one among them who says, “I am a God beside Allah” – We shall reward him with hell; this is how We punish the unjust. 29