And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 Whensoever they sensed Our punishment they fled from them. 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 unto us! verily we have been wrong-doers. 14 And this their crying ceased not till We made them as reaped corn, extinct. 15 It was not in play that We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. 16 Had We intended that We should choose a sport, surely We would choose it from before Us - if We were ever going to do that. 17 Nay! We cast the truth against the falsehood, so that it breaks its head, and lo! it vanishes; and woe to you for what you describe; 18 To Him belong all (creatures) in the heavens and on earth: Even those who are in His (very) Presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of His service): 19 they extol His limitless glory by night and by day, never flagging [therein]. 20 Have they chosen deities from earth? Can such deities give life to anyone? 21 Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! 22 He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned. 23 Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], "Produce your proof. This [Qur'an] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me." But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away. 24 To all the Messengers that were sent before you We revealed that I am the only God to be worshipped. 25 They say, "The All Merciful has taken a son!" Glory be to Him! They are only His honoured servants: 26 they do not try to speak ahead of Him, and they act at 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 if any of them were to say: "Behold, I am deity beside Him" - that one We should requite with hell: thus do We requite all [such] evildoers. 29