The Dunes (Al-Ahqaaf)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ HaMeem. 1 The revelation of this Book is from Allah, the Most Mighty, the Most Wise. 2 We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them purely for just ends, and for a specific term, but those who reject Faith turn away from what they have been warned of. 3 Say: "Have you [really] given thought to what it is that you invoke instead of God? Show me what these [beings or forces] have created anywhere on earth! Or had they, perchance, a share in [creating] the heavens? [If so,] bring me any divine writ preceding this one, or any [other] vestige of knowledge - if what you claim is true!" 4 And who could be more astray than one who invokes, instead of God, such as will not respond to him either now or on the Day of Resurrection, and are not even conscious of being invoked? 5 When all human beings will be gathered together those who had been called upon will become the enemies to their votaries and will disown their worship. 6 When Our enlightening revelations are recited to them, the disbelievers, of the truth which has come to them, say, "This is plain magic". 7 Nay! they say: He has forged it. Say: If I have forged it, you do not control anything for me from Allah; He knows best what you utter concerning it; He is enough as a witness between me and you, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. 8 Say, “I am not something new* among the Noble Messengers, nor do I know (on my own) what will happen to me** or with you; I only follow that which is divinely revealed to me, and I am purely a Herald of clear warning. (* I am like the earlier ones. ** My knowledge comes due to divine revelations.) 9 Say: "Have you given thought [to how you will fare] if this be truly [a revelation] from God and yet you deny its truth? - even though a witness from among the children of Israel has already borne witness to [the advent of] one like himself, and has believed [in him,] the while you glory in your arrogance [and reject his message]? Verily, God does not grace [such] evildoing folk with His guidance!" 10