The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra; these are verses of the Book and the bright Qur’an. 1 Again and again will those who disbelieve, wish that they had bowed (to Allah's will) in Islam. 2 so leave them to eat and enjoy themselves and let them be beguiled by vain hopes; for soon they will realise [the truth]. 3 Never did We destroy a population that had not a term decreed and assigned beforehand. 4 No group may advance its appointed promise nor postpone it. 5 And yet they say: "You, to whom this Exposition has been sent are surely possessed of the Devil. 6 Why do you not bring down angels upon us if you are indeed truthful?" 7 We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment, etc.), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite! 8 We have sent down this Exposition, and We will guard it. 9 We had also sent apostles to people of earlier persuasions. 10 And whenever a Messenger came to them, they never failed to mock him. 11 even so We cause it to enter into the hearts of the sinners -- 12 That they should not believe in the (Message); but the ways of the ancients have passed away. 13 Yet even had We opened to them a gateway to heaven and they had ascended, on and on, up to it, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15