a large group of the earlier people 39 And a multitude from the later generations. 40 BUT AS FOR those who have persevered in evil - what of those who have persevered in evil? 41 They will find themselves in scorching wind and scalding water, 42 and the shadows of black smoke 43 neither cool nor refreshing. 44 and before that they lived at ease, 45 And they have been persisting in the heinous offence. 46 and would say: "What! After we have died and become mere dust and bones, shall we, forsooth, be raised from the dead? 47 "And also our forefathers?" 48 Say: "Verily, those of olden times and those of later times 49 shall be gathered together to the appointed time on a known Day' 50 Then you, the erring and the deniers, 51 shall all eat from the Tree of al-Zaqqum, 52 Fill your bellies with it, 53 And shall be drinkers thereon of boiling water. 54 And will drink as the drinking of thirsty camels. 55 This shall be their entertainment on the Day of Judgement. 56 It is We who have created you. Why then did you not testify to the Truth? 57 Have you considered the seed? 58 did you create it or did We? 59 We have [indeed] decreed that death shall be [ever-present] among you: but there is nothing to prevent Us 60 Had We so wished, nothing could have hindered Us from replacing you by others like yourselves, or transforming you into beings you know nothing about. 61 And you have indeed learnt about the first creation, so why do you not ponder? 62 So what is your opinion regarding what you sow? 63 Is it you who cultivate it, or is it We Who develop it? 64 [For,] were it Our will, We could indeed turn it into chaff, and you would be left to wonder [and to lament,] 65 Lo! we are laden with debt! 66 "Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labour)" 67 Have you considered the water that you drink? 68 Is it you who caused it to descend from the cloud, or is it We Who cause it to descend? 69 If We willed, We could make it bitter, so why are you not grateful? 70 Behold! the fire which ye strike out: 71 Is it you who grew its tree, or is it We Who create? 72 We! it is We Who made it a reminder and a provision unto the campers. 73 So glorify the name of your Lord, the Supreme. 74