Has it, then, not become obvious unto those who have inherited the earth in the wake of former generations that, if We so willed, We could smite them [too] by means of their sins, sealing their hearts so that they cannot hear [the truth]? 100 To those [earlier] communities - some of whose stories We relate to you - there had indeed come Messengers with clear proofs, but they would not believe what they had once rejected as false. Thus it is that Allah seals the hearts of those who deny the truth. 101 And We did not find for most of them any covenant; but indeed, We found most of them defiantly disobedient. 102 After the time of those people, We sent Moses with Our miracles to Pharaoh and his people, but they too rejected Our miracles. Consider, how terrible the end of the evil-doers is! 103 And Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds 104 [Who is] obligated not to say about Allah except the truth. I have come to you with clear evidence from your Lord, so send with me the Children of Israel." 105 Said he, 'If thou hast brought a sign, produce it, if thou speakest truly.' 106 Thereupon [Moses] threw down his staff, and lo! it was a serpent, plainly visible; 107 and he drew forth his hand, and it appeared [shining] white to the beholders. 108