How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? 11 Then, when they perceived Our chastisement they took to their heels and fled. 12 [and at the same time they seemed to hear a scornful voice]: "Do not try to flee, but return to all that [once] gave you pleasure and corrupted your whole being, and [return] to your homes, so that you might be called to account [for what you have done]!" 13 They said, "O woe to us! Indeed, we were wrongdoers." 14 So they kept saying this until We made them cut off, extinguished. 15 It was not in play that We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. 16 Had We wanted to play games, We could have certainly done so with things at hand. 17 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us). 18 Unto Him belongeth whosoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those who dwell in His presence are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they weary; 19 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Have they taken gods from the earth who raise the deed? 21 Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! 22 He is not to be questioned about what He does, but they shall be questioned. 23 Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], "Produce your proof. This [Qur'an] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me." But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away. 24 And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): There is no Allah save Me (Allah), so worship Me. 25 They say: "The Most Compassionate Lord has taken to Himself a son." Glory be to Him! Those whom they so designate are only His honoured servants. 26 They do not speak before He has, and they act only at His command. 27 He knows whatever is before them and whatsoever is remote from them and they do not intercede except for him, intercession on whose behalf pleases Him, and they stand constantly in awe of Him. 28 ۞ And the one among them who says, “I am a God beside Allah” – We shall reward him with hell; this is how We punish the unjust. 29