S (Saad)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
Sad, and by the Qur'an full of exhortation! 1 Nay, but the unbelievers are steeped in arrogance and stubborn defiance. 2 How many ancient generations did We destroy? (On facing Our torment) they cried out for help, but it was too late for them to escape. 3 And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, and the disbelievers say: This is an enchanter, a liar. 4 Maketh he the gods One God? Verily that is a thing astounding! 5 And their leading chiefs said: "Remain attached to your gods. There is surely some motive behind it. 6 We have heard nothing like this in the latest religion. This is only his own false invention. 7 Has this Exhortation been sent down among us only to him, to the exclusion of all others?” Nay, they are in doubt regarding My Exhortation, and are saying all this because they have not yet had any taste of My chastisement. 8 Or, are with them the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, the Bestower? 9 Or is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through [any] ways of access. 10 They are only a small band among the defeated confederate tribes. 11 Before them the nations of Noah, Aad and Pharaoh, and he of the tentpegs belied, 12 And (the tribe of) Thamud, and the folk of Lot, and the dwellers in the wood: these were the factions. 13 not one [was there] but gave the lie to the apostles - and thereupon My retribution fell due. 14