The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra; these are verses of the Book and the bright Qur’an. 1 How strongly the unbelievers will wish that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with (false) hope. They will come to know! 3 Whenever We destroyed a town, a definite term had previously been decreed for it. 4 [but remember that] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [it]. 5 And yet they say: "You, to whom this Exposition has been sent are surely possessed of the Devil. 6 Why do you not bring down the angels, if what you say is true' 7 [Yet] We never send down angels otherwise than in accordance with the [demands of] truth; and [were the angels to appear now,] lo! they [who reject this divine writ] would have no further respite! 8 Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder; and behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption]. 9 And indeed We sent Noble Messengers before you, to the former nations. 10 And not an apostle came unto them but at him they were wont to mock. 11 Even so We make a way for it (that is, the Admonition) in the hearts of the culprits (like a hot rod); 12 So, they will not believe in it: The example of former people is there. 13 And [even] if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they continued therein to ascend, 14 They would surely say: "Our eyes have been (as if) dazzled. Nay, we are a people bewitched." 15