And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 And [every time,] as soon as they began to feel Our punishing might, lo! they tried to flee from it 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: "Ah! woe to us! We were indeed wrong-doers!" 14 And this they did not stop crying out until We made them stubble, silent, and still. 15 Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! 16 Had We intended to take a pastime (i.e. a wife or a son, etc.), We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that). 17 Aye! We hurl truth against falsehood, so that it braineth it, and lo! it vanisheth; and to you be the woe for that which ye utter! 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 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Have they taken gods from the earth who raise the deed? 21 Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe. 22 None shall question Him about His works, but they shall be questioned. 23 Have they taken other deities besides Him? Say to them, "Bring your proofs. This is the reminder of those who are with me and the reminder of those who were before me." But most of them do not know the truth, and so they turn away from it. 24 And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): There is no Allah save Me (Allah), 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 speak not until He has spoken unto them, and [whenever they act,] they act at His behest. 27 He knows all that lies open before them and all that is hidden from them: hence, they cannot intercede for any but those whom He has [already] graced with His goodly acceptance, since they themselves stand in reverent awe of Him. 28 ۞ If any one of them says: 'I am a god other than Him' We will recompense him with Gehenna (Hell). As such We recompense the harmdoers. 29