Can he whose breast Allah has opened up for Islam and who is thus (moving along a Path) illumined by a light from Allah (be likened to him who derives no lesson from what he observes)? Woe, then, to those whose hearts were further hardened after Allah's admonition. Such are indeed in obvious error. 22 Allah hath (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent, (wherein promises of reward are) paired (with threats of punishment), whereat doth creep the flesh of those who fear their Lord, so that their flesh and their hearts soften to Allah's reminder. Such is Allah's guidance, wherewith He guideth whom He will. And him whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide. 23 Is he then who has to guard himself with his own person against the evil chastisement on the resurrection day? And it will be said to the unjust: Taste what you earned. 24 Those before them also denied the truth, and the punishment fell on them from where they did not expect. 25 So Allah made them taste disgrace in worldly life. But the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew. 26 And certainly We have set forth to men in this Quran similitudes of every sort that they may mind. 27 It is an Arabic Koran free from all crookedness, in order that they will be cautious. 28 God has struck a similitude -- a man in whom partners disagreeing share, and a man the property of one man. Are the two equal in likeness? Praise belongs to God! Nay, but most of them do not know. 29 Indeed, you are to die, and indeed, they are to die. 30 Then surely on the day of resurrection you will contend one with another before your Lord. 31