How many communities of evil-doers We have destroyed, raising up other people after them. 11 And [every time,] as soon as they began to feel Our punishing might, lo! they tried to flee from it 12 (They were told): "Flee not, but return to your comforts and to your dwellings. You are likely to be questioned." 13 They said, 'Alas for us! We have been evildoers.' 14 Such was what they continued to say until We mowed them down and made them completely extinct. 15 And We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, unnecessarily. 16 If We had pleased to make a plaything We could have made it Ourself, if We had cared to do so. 17 Nay, but We hurl the truth against falsehood and it prevails over it, and behold, falsehood vanishes away. Then woe to you for that you describe! 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on the earth and those that are with Him are never too proud to worship Him, nor do they grow weary; 19 they extol His limitless glory by night and by day, never flagging [therein]. 20 Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (the dead)? 21 Had there been gods apart from God, both (the heavens and the earth) would have been despoiled. Much too glorious is God, the Lord of the mighty throne, for things they assert! 22 He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they chosen other gods beside Him? say: Bring your proof (of their godhead). This is the Reminder of those with me and those before me, but most of them know not the Truth and so they are averse. 24 Not a messenger did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me. 25 And they say, "The Most Merciful has taken a son." Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honored servants. 26 who do not surpass Him in speech, and do as He commands. 27 He knoweth whatsoever is before them and whatsoever is behind them; and they intercede not except for him whom He approveth, and in awe of Him they are fearful. 28 ۞ And one of them who should say: Lo! I am a god beside Him, that one We should repay with hell. Thus We Repay wrong-doers. 29