How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? 11 Then, when they perceived (saw) Our Torment (coming), behold, they (tried to) flee from it. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 They cried: Alas for us! we were wrong-doers. 14 And that cry of theirs did not cease until We caused them to become [like] a field mown down, still and silent as ashes. 15 AND [know that] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play: 16 If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)! 17 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us). 18 Whosoever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; and those who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him or weary (of His service), 19 They never fail to exalt Him either at night or in the day. 20 Have they taken gods from the earth who raise the deed? 21 If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both! but glory to Allah, the Lord of the Throne: (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! 22 He is not questioned whatever He does, whereas they will all be questioned. 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away. 24 We never sent a Messenger before you except that We revealed to him saying: 'There is no god except Me, therefore, worship Me' 25 And [yet,] some say: "The Most Gracious has taken unto Himself a son"! Limitless is He in His glory! Nay, [those whom they regard as God's "offspring" are but His] honoured servants: 26 They did not precede Him in their speech, and acted on His command. 27 He knows whatever is before them and whatsoever is remote from them and they do not intercede except for him, intercession on whose behalf pleases Him, and they stand constantly in awe of Him. 28 ۞ The recompense of those of them who say that they are the Lord instead of God will be hell; thus, do We recompense the unjust ones. 29