How many unjust towns did We destroy and replace them with other nations? 11 And when they tasted Our punishment, they immediately started fleeing from it. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 "Woe, alas," they said, "we were really sinful." 14 And this ceased not to be their cry till We made them cut off, extinct. 15 Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! 16 If We had pleased to make a plaything We could have made it Ourself, if We had cared to do so. 17 Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe. 18 Whosoever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; and those who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him or weary (of His service), 19 And they hallow Him night and day, and they flag not. 20 Or have they taken (for worship) aliha (gods) from the earth who raise the dead? 21 Why, were there gods in earth and heaven other than God, they would surely go to ruin; so glory be to God, the Lord of the Throne, above that they describe! 22 He cannot be questioned concerning what He does and they shall be questioned. 23 Or, have they taken gods besides Him? Say: Bring your proof; this is the reminder of those with me and the reminder of those before me. Nay! most of them do not know the truth, so they turn aside. 24 Never did We send any Messenger before you to whom We did not reveal: "There is no god but Me. So serve Me alone." 25 They say 'The Merciful has taken a son' Exaltations to Him! No, they are only His honored worshipers, 26 They do not precede Him in speech and (only) according to His commandment do they act. 27 He knows all that is in front of them and all that is behind them. (These servants of God) will not intercede with Him for anyone without His permission and they tremble in awe (before His greatness). 28 ۞ If any one of them said: "I am God besides Him," We should award him Hell; for this is how We requite the evil-doers. 29