How many populations that insolently opposed the Command of their Lord and of His messengers, did We not then call to account,- to severe account?- and We imposed on them an exemplary Punishment. 8 So it tasted the mischief of its action, and the end of its affair was loss. 9 God has prepared severe retribution for them. People of understanding and believers, have fear of God. God has certainly sent you a reminder, 10 [He has sent] an apostle who conveys unto you God's clear messages, so that He might take those who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds out of the depths of darkness into the light. And whoever believes in God and does what is right and just, him will He admit into gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide beyond the count of time: indeed, a most goodly provision will God have granted him! 11 It is Allah who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them. [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allah is over all things competent and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge. 12