A throng of the ancients 39 And a numerous company from among the last. 40 BUT AS FOR those who have persevered in evil - what of those who have persevered in evil? 41 In scorching wind and boiling hot water. 42 Under the shadow of thick black smoke 43 (That shadow) neither cool, nor (even) good, 44 Lo! heretofore they were effete with luxury 45 And they have been persisting in the heinous offence. 46 They used to say: “What! Once we are dead and are reduced to dust and bones, shall we still be raised to a new life from the dead? 47 and perhaps, too, our forebears of old?" 48 (Muhammad), say, "All the ancient and later generations 49 Shall most surely be gathered together for the appointed hour of a known day. 50 Then you, you misguided ones, who deny the truth, 51 Ye verily will eat of a tree called Zaqqum 52 You shall fill your bellies with it, 53 And drink over it scalding water, 54 and you will drink as the lapping of thirsty camels. 55 Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital! 56 We have created you, then why would you not confirm it? 57 Have you seen sperm? 58 Do you create a child out of it, or are We its creators? 59 We! it is We Who have decreed death unto you all. And We are not to be outrun. 60 To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not. 61 And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation (i.e. the creation of Adam), why then do you not remember or take heed? 62 See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground? 63 Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower? 64 If We so pleased, We could turn your harvest into chaff. Then you would start lamenting, 65 crying, "We have been left to suffer loss. 66 nay; we have been undone!” 67 So what is your opinion regarding the water that you drink? 68 Do you send it down from the clouds, or We send it down? 69 If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)? 70 Behold! the fire which ye strike out: 71 Is it you who made the tree thereof to grow, or are We the Grower? 72 We have made it a reminder and an advantage for the wayfarers of the desert. 73 Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme! 74