How many communities of evil-doers We have destroyed, raising up other people after them. 11 And when they tasted Our punishment, they immediately started fleeing from it. 12 Flee not, but return to the good things of this life which were given you, and to your homes in order that ye may be called to account. 13 They cried, “Woe to us, we were indeed unjust!” 14 Such was what they continued to say until We mowed them down and made them completely extinct. 15 AND [know that] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play: 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 But in fact We hurl the truth upon falsehood, so it scatters its brains – thereupon it vanishes; and for you is the ruin due to the matters you fabricate. 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and the earth; and those who are with Him wax not too proud to do Him service neither grow weary, 19 They glorify (Him) by night and day; they are never languid. 20 Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (the dead)? 21 If other than Allah, there were gods* in the heavens and the earth, they would be destroyed; therefore Purity is to Allah, Owner of the Throne, from the matters that they fabricate. (* Which is not possible.) 22 He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn 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 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 outstrip Him in speech and only act as He commands. 27 He knows what is before them and behind them, and they intercede not save for him with whom He is well-pleased, and they tremble in awe of Him. 28 ۞ Whoever of them should say, "I am a deity besides Him," shall be requited with Hell. Thus do We reward the wrongdoers. 29