How many a town (community), that were wrong-doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people! 11 Then when they perceived Our violence, lo! they were from it fleeing. 12 They were told, "Do not try to flee, but return to the comfort and luxuries in which you exulted and to the places where you lived, so that you may be questioned." 13 They said, "O woe to us! Indeed, we were wrongdoers." 14 So they ceased not to cry, until We made them stubble, silent and still. 15 We created not the heaven and the earth, and whatsoever between them is, as playing; 16 If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)! 17 We will hurl the truth at falsehood, the falsehood shall be crushed and will disappear. Woe to you for what you utter. 18 Whosoever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; and those who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him or weary (of His service), 19 They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or intermit. 20 Or, have they taken earthly gods who revive the dead? 21 Had there been any gods in the heavens and the earth apart from Allah, the order of both the heavens and the earth would have gone to ruins. Glory be to Allah, the Lord of the Throne, Who is far above their false descriptions of Him. 22 He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they taken gods apart from Him? Say: 'Bring your proof! This is the Remembrance of him who is with me, and the Remembrance of those before me. Nay, but the most part of them know not the truth, so therefore they are turning away. 24 Not a messenger did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me. 25 They say, "The All Merciful has taken a son!" Glory be to Him! They 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 knoweth what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him whom He accepteth, and they quake for awe of Him. 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