And (as to) those who reject Our communications, We draw them near (to destruction) by degrees from whence they know not. 182 And I grant them respite; surely My scheme is effective. 183 Then do they not give thought? There is in their companion [Muhammad] no madness. He is not but a clear warner. 184 Have they not observed the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and all that Allah has created and that their term of life might have drawn near After this warning from the Prophet, what will it be that will make them believe? 185 No one can guide those whom God has caused to go astray and has left to continue blindly in their rebellion. 186 They ask you about the Hour: "When is its determined time?" Say: "Only my Lord has the knowledge. No one can reveal it except He. Oppressive will it be for the heavens and the earth. When it comes, it will come unawares." They ask you about it as if you were in the know. You tell them: "Only God has the knowledge." But most people do not know. 187 Say, “I have no autonomy to benefit or hurt myself, except what Allah wills; and were I to procure knowledge of the hidden on my own, it would be that I had accumulated a lot of good; and no misfortune would touch me; I am purely a Herald of Warning and Glad Tidings to the people who believe.” 188