Has it, then, not become obvious unto those who have inherited the earth in the wake of former generations that, if We so willed, We could smite them [too] by means of their sins, sealing their hearts so that they cannot hear [the truth]? 100 Such were the towns whose story We (thus) relate unto thee: There came indeed to them their messengers with clear (signs): But they would not believe what they had rejected before. Thus doth Allah seal up the hearts of those who reject faith. 101 and in most of them We found no [inner] bond with anything that is right - and most of them We found to be iniquitous indeed. 102 After the time of those people, We sent Moses with Our miracles to Pharaoh and his people, but they too rejected Our miracles. Consider, how terrible the end of the evil-doers is! 103 Moses said: 'Pharaoh, I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds, 104 I must only speak what is true about God. I have brought you miracles from your Lord; therefore, let the children of Israel go free". 105 Said [Pharaoh]: "If thou hast come with a sign, produce it - if thou art a man of truth!" 106 At this Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it became a live serpent. 107 And putting his hand in his bosom, withdrew it – so it shone brightly before the beholders. 108