How many a town (community), that were wrong-doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people! 11 When they found Our torment approaching them they started to run away from the town. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 They said, "Woe to us! We have been unjust". 14 So they ceased not to cry, until We made them stubble, silent and still. 15 We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play. 16 If We had wished to find a pastime, We could have found it in Our presence - if We ever did. 17 Nay, but [by the very act of creation] We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it crushes the latter: and lo! it withers away. But woe unto you for all your [attempts at] defining [God] 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and the earth. Those who are with Him are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they ever wearied. 19 They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. 20 Have they chosen deities from earth? Can such deities give life to anyone? 21 Had there been in between the twain gods except Allah surely the twain would have gone to ruin. Hallowed be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from that which they utter! 22 He cannot be questioned concerning what He does and they shall be questioned. 23 Or, have they taken gods besides Him? Say: Bring your proof; this is the reminder of those with me and the reminder of those before me. Nay! most of them do not know the truth, so they turn aside. 24 To all the Messengers that were sent before you We revealed that I am the only God to be worshipped. 25 And they say: The Beneficent Allah has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him. Nay! they are honored servants 26 They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His Command. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for him whom He likes, and they fear with awe of Him. (The Holy Prophets and virtuous people will be given the permission to intercede. Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – will be the first to intercede.) 28 ۞ And whoever of them should say: Surely I am a god besides Him, such a one do We recompense with hell; thus do, We recompense the unjust. 29