How many a city that was evildoing We have shattered, and set up after it another people! 11 And when they tasted Our punishment, they immediately started fleeing from it. 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, 'Alas for us! We have been evildoers.' 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 [for,] had We willed to indulge in a pastime, We would indeed have produced it from within Ourselves - if such had been Our will at all! 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 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 celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or intermit. 20 Have they chosen deities from earth? Can such deities give life to anyone? 21 If there had been in them any gods except Allah, they would both have certainly been in a state of disorder; therefore glory be to Allah, the Lord of the dominion, above what they attribute (to Him). 22 He cannot be called to account for whatever He does, whereas they will be called to account: 23 Or have they chosen other gods beside Him? say: Bring your proof (of their godhead). This is the Reminder of those with me and those before me, but most of them know not the Truth and so they are averse. 24 We sent all messengers before you with this revelation: "There is no deity save Me, so worship Me alone." 25 And they say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) servants raised to honour. 26 They did not precede Him in their speech, and acted on His command. 27 He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive. 28 ۞ If any one of them said: "I am God besides Him," We should award him Hell; for this is how We requite the evil-doers. 29