۞ Gather together those who did wrong and their comrades and that which they were wont to worship 22 "Besides Allah, and lead them to the Way to the (Fierce) Fire! 23 And stop them, for they must be questioned. 24 "How is it that [now] you cannot succour one another?" 25 Nay, but on that Day they would willingly surrender [to God]; 26 They will turn upon one another, and question one another. 27 They said, “It is you who used to come to us from our right, in order to sway.” 28 They will reply: "Nay, you yourselves were not believers. 29 we had no power over you; but you yourselves were a rebellious people. 30 But now our Lord's word has come true against us: truly, we are bound to taste [the punishment]. 31 Therefore we perverted you, and we ourselves were perverts.' 32 So, they will become partners in punishment. 33 Even so We do with the sinners; 34 for when it was said to them, 'There is no god but God,' they were ever waxing proud, 35 And said: "Should we abandon our gods for the sake of an insane poet?" 36 Nay, but he brought the Truth, and he confirmed those sent (before him). 37 Verily, you (pagans of Makkah) are going to taste the painful torment; 38 You will only be recompensed according to your deeds.” 39 Except the chosen bondmen of Allah. 40 For them is a Sustenance determined, 41 as the fruits [of their life on earth]; and honoured shall they be 42 In Gardens of Felicity, 43 Facing one another on thrones, 44 There will be circulated among them a cup [of wine] from a flowing spring, 45 Crystal-white, of a taste delicious to those who drink (thereof), 46 there is neither sickness in it, nor intoxication. 47 And with them are those who do not set gaze upon men except their husbands, the maidens with gorgeous eyes. 48 [as free of faults] as if they were hidden [ostrich] eggs. 49 And some of them draw near unto others, mutually questioning. 50 And a speaker from among them will say: verily there was unto me a mate. 51 who was wont to ask [me,] 'Why - art thou really one of those who believe it to be true 52 ‘That when we are dead and have turned into dust and bones, that we will either be rewarded or punished?’ 53 He will say: -- Do you wish to know where he is now?' 54 Then he looks, and sees him in the midst of Hell. 55 He saith: By Allah, thou verily didst all but cause my ruin, 56 But for my Lord's blessing, I were one of the arraigned. 57 Then, are we not to die 58 “Except our earlier death, and nor will we be punished?” 59 Indeed, this is the great attainment. 60 For the like of this, then, let the workers work. 61 Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)? 62 which We have made as a torment for the unjust? 63 (Zaqqum) is a tree which grows from the deepest part of hell, 64 Its produce is as it were the heads of the serpents. 65 and they [who are lost in evil] are indeed bound to eat thereof, and to fill their bellies therewith. 66 On top of it they shall have a brew of boiling water, 67 Then indeed, their return will be to the Hellfire. 68 Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path; 69 So they hastened [to follow] in their footsteps. 70 yet before them most of the ancients went astray, 71 And We had sent admonishers to them. 72 See how terrible was the end of those who were warned. 73 Except the chosen bondmen of Allah. 74