Ask them, "Who can protect them from (the wrath of) the Beneficent God during the night and day?" Yet they are neglectful about their Lord. 42 Do they [really think that they] have deities that could shield them from Us? Those [alleged deities] are not [even] able to succour themselves: hence, neither can they [who worship them hope to] be aided [by them] against Us. 43 Nay, We have allowed these [sinners] - as [We allowed] their forebears - to enjoy the good things of life for a great length of time: but then - have they never yet seen how We visit the earth [with Our punishment,] gradually depriving it of all that is best thereon? Can they, then, [hope to] be the winners? 44 Say thou: I only warn you by the revelation; and the deaf hearken not unto the call when they are warned. 45 If but a breath of thy Lord's chastisement touched them, they would surely say, 'Alas for us! We were evildoers.' 46 And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant. 47 In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the criterion (for judgment), and a Light and a Message for those who would do right,- 48 for those who fear their Lord without seeing Him and dread the Hour (of Reckoning). 49 And this [Qur'an] is a blessed message which We have sent down. Then are you with it unacquainted? 50