۞ Have they not travelled in the earth and seen how was the end of those who were before them? Mightier than these were they in strength-- and in fortifications in the land, but Allah destroyed them for their sins; and there was not for them any defender against Allah. 21 Messengers had come to them with illustrious miracles but they disbelieved and thus God struck them with His torment. He is Mighty and Severe in His retribution. 22 Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and an authority manifest, 23 To Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun. But they said: "He is only a deceiving sorcerer." 24 So when he brought the truth from Our presence to them, they said, “Kill the sons of those who believe in him, and keep their women alive”; and the evil scheme of the disbelievers only keeps wandering astray. 25 Said Pharaoh: "Leave me to slay Moses; and let him call on his Lord! What I fear is lest he should change your religion, or lest he should cause mischief to appear in the land!" 26 Moses said, "I seek protection from your and my Lord against every arrogant person who has no faith in the Day of Judgment." 27