For, how many a community that persisted in evildoing have We dashed into fragments, and raised another people in its stead! 11 Then when they perceived Our violence, lo! they were from it fleeing. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 They said, "Woe to us! We have been unjust". 14 So they ceased not to cry, until We made them stubble, silent and still. 15 And We did not create the heaven and earth and that between them in play. 16 Had We intended to take a diversion, We could have taken it from [what is] with Us - if [indeed] We were to do so. 17 Nay, but We hurl the truth against falsehood and it prevails over it, and behold, falsehood vanishes away. Then woe to you for that you describe! 18 To Him belongs whosoever dwells in the heavens and on earth. Those (angels) that are with Him neither disdain to serve Him out of pride, nor do they weary of it. 19 They glorify Him day and night without fail. 20 Have they appointed from the earth, Gods that create something? 21 Had there been gods in heaven or earth, other than Allah, both would indeed have been ruined. Exalted be Allah, Lord of the Throne, above that they describe. 22 He is not to be questioned about what He does, but they shall be questioned. 23 Have they chosen other gods besides God? (Muhammad), ask them, "Show the proof (in support of such belief). This is (the Quran) which tells us about the (beliefs of the people) in my time and those who lived before me." Most of them do not know. Moreover, the truth is that they neglect (the question of belief altogether). 24 And We did not send before you any apostle but We revealed to him that there is no god but Me, therefore serve Me. 25 They say, "The All Merciful has taken a son!" Glory be to Him! They are only His honoured servants: 26 They precede Him not in words, and by His command they work. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for him whom He likes, and they fear with awe of Him. (The Holy Prophets and virtuous people will be given the permission to intercede. Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – will be the first to intercede.) 28 ۞ And whosoever of them should say: verily I am a god beside Him, such a one We shall requite with Hell; thus We requite the wrong-doers. 29