S (Saad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Sad [These letters (Sad etc.) are one of the miracles of the Quran and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the Quran full of reminding. 1 Nay, but the unbelievers are steeped in arrogance and stubborn defiance. 2 How many did We destroy before them of the generations, then they cried while the time of escaping had passed away. 3 They are surprised that a warner should come to them from among themselves. They say, "This is a magician, a great liar. 4 Does he make all the deities out to be one God? This is indeed a strange thing." 5 And the Council of them depart, saying 'Go! Be steadfast to your gods; this is a thing to be desired. 6 "We never heard (the like) of this among the people of these latter days: this is nothing but a made-up tale!" 7 Was the message sent only to him out of all of us?" In fact, they doubt My warning; in fact, they have not yet tasted My punishment. 8 Or is it that they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the great Giver? 9 Or [that] the dominion over the heavens and the earth and all that is between them is theirs? Why, then, let them try to ascend [to God-like power] by all [conceivable] means! 10 This is just one of the disgraced armies, that will be routed there and then. 11 The folk of Noah before them denied (their messenger) and (so did the tribe of) A'ad, and Pharaoh firmly planted, 12 and [the tribe of] Thamud, and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the wooded dales [of Madyan]: they all were leagued together, [as it were, in their unbelief:] 13 Of all these there was not one who did not deny the messengers. So My retribution was justified. 14