The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra. These are the verses of the Book, and a Qur'an luminous. 1 Oft times would those who disbelieve fain 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 We have never destroyed a township without a definite decree having been issued; 4 No people can hasten or delay the term already fixed for them. 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 upon us, if you are truthful?" 7 We send not the angels down except for just cause: if they came (to the ungodly), behold! no respite would they have! 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 assuredly We have sent apostles before thee among the sects of the ancients. 10 But never once an apostle came to them at whom they did not scoff. 11 Thus do We insert denial into the hearts of the criminals. 12 They do not believe in it even though the practice of the ancients has already gone. 13 Had We opened a door for them in the sky through which they could easily pass, 14 They would say, "Our eyes have only been dazzled. Rather, we are a people affected by magic." 15