Now if God were to take men [immediately] to task for all the evil that they do [on earth,] He would not leave a single living creature upon its face. However, He grants them respite until a term set [by Him]: but when the end of their term approaches, they can neither delay it by a single moment, nor can they hasten it. 61 As it is, they ascribe to God something that they [themselves] dislike - and [all the while] their tongues utter the lie that [by doing so] they earn supreme merit! Truly, they earn but the fire, and will be left out [of God's grace]! 62 By Allah, We did certainly send [messengers] to nations before you, but Satan made their deeds attractive to them. And he is the disbelievers' ally today [as well], and they will have a painful punishment. 63 We have only sent down the Book to you so that you can make clear to them that concerning which they differ, and as a guidance and a mercy to people who believe. 64 God sends down water from the skies and quickens the dead earth to a new birth. Here is a sign for those who listen. 65