AND [thus it is:] We have not created heaven and earth and all that is between them without meaning and purpose, as is the surmise of those who are bent on denying the truth: but then, woe from the fire [of hell] unto all who are bent on denying the truth! 27 Are We to make those who believe and do good works the same as those who corrupt the earth? Are We to make the righteous as the wicked? 28 This is a blessed Book which We sent down to you [Muhammad], for people to ponder over its messages, and for those with understanding to take heed. 29 And We gave unto David Solomon; how excellent a servant he was! He was a penitent. 30 When his dressage steeds were presented to him in the evening, 31 Then he said: Surely I preferred the good things to the remembrance of my Lord-- until the sun set and time for Asr prayer was over, (he said): 32 Bring them back to me' And he hacked their legs and necks (slaughtering them for Allah). 33 Certainly We tried Solomon, and We cast upon his throne a mere body; then he repented. 34 He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits not another after me: for Thou art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure). 35 Then We made the wind subservient to him; it made his command to run gently wherever he desired, 36 and all the devils who built and dived for him. 37 and others that were bound with chains. 38 'This is Our gift; bestow or withhold without reckoning.' 39 And most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort. 40