The Dunes (Al-Ahqaaf)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ Ha, Meem. 1 The Revelation of the Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 2 We created not the heavens and the earth and whatsoever is in-between the twain save with truth, and for a term stated. And those who disbelieve are from that whereof they are warned backsliders. 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 Who is more astray than one who prays to things besides God; things that would not be able to answer his prayers even if he would wait till the Day of Judgment. They are not even aware of his prayers. 5 And when the people are gathered [that Day], they [who were invoked] will be enemies to them, and they will be deniers of their worship. 6 And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who disbelieve say of the truth when it has come to them, "This is obvious magic." 7 Or do they say: "He has invented all this"? Say [O Muhammad]: "Had I invented it, you would not be of the least help to me against God. He is fully aware of that [slander] into which you so recklessly plunge: enough is He as a witness between me and you! And [withal,] He alone is truly-forgiving, a true dispenser of grace." 8 Say: "I am not the first of [God's] apostles; and [like all of them,] I do not know what will be done with me or with you: for I am nothing but a plain warner." 9 Say: "See ye? If (this teaching) be from Allah, and ye reject it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity (with earlier scripture), and has believed while ye are arrogant, (how unjust ye are!) truly, Allah guides not a people unjust." 10