How many unjust towns did We destroy and replace them with other nations? 11 When they found Our torment approaching them they started to run away from the town. 12 [Some angels said], "Do not flee but return to where you were given luxury and to your homes - perhaps you will be questioned." 13 They said: "Woe to us; surely we were wrong-doers." 14 And this they did not stop crying out until We made them stubble, silent, and still. 15 AND [know that] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play: 16 Had We wanted to play games, We could have certainly done so with things at hand. 17 Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe. 18 To Him belongs whosoever dwells in the heavens and on earth. Those (angels) that are with Him neither disdain to serve Him out of pride, nor do they weary of it. 19 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Or have they taken gods from the earth who raise (the dead). 21 If there had been in them any gods except Allah, they would both have certainly been in a state of disorder; therefore glory be to Allah, the Lord of the dominion, above what they attribute (to Him). 22 He cannot be questioned concerning what He does and they shall be questioned. 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) aliha (gods) besides Him? Say: "Bring your proof:" This (the Quran) is the Reminder for those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not the Truth, so they are averse. 24 And We sent not before thee an apostle but We revealed unto him that there is no god but I, so worship Me. 25 They say: "The Most Compassionate Lord has taken to Himself a son." Glory be to Him! Those whom they so designate are only His honoured servants. 26 They do not precede Him in speech and (only) according to His commandment do they act. 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 ۞ If any of them says, 'I am a god apart from Him', such a one We recompense with Gehenna; even so We recompense the evildoers. 29