The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Alif. Lam. Ra. THESE ARE MESSAGES of revelation - of a discourse clear in itself and clearly showing the truth. 1 Perchance the unbelievers will wish that they had surrendered: 2 Leave them thou to eat and to enjoy, and let vain hope divert them; presently they will know. 3 And never did We destroy a town but it had a term made known. 4 No nation can outstrip its term, nor do they put it back. 5 And yet, they [who deny the truth] say: "O thou unto whom this reminder has [allegedly] been bestowed from on high: verily, thou art mad! 6 Why dost thou not bring before us angels, if thou art a man of truth? 7 We send not down the angels, save with truth; 8 It is We who have sent down the Reminder and We will, most surely, safeguard it. 9 Indeed, We sent Messengers before thee, among the factions of the ancients, 10 And not an apostle came unto them but at him they were wont to mock. 11 even so We cause it to enter into the hearts of the sinners -- 12 They will not believe in it, though they have before them the example of former peoples, 13 Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue (all day) ascending therein, 14 They would say, "Our eyes have only been dazzled. Rather, we are a people affected by magic." 15