۞ Have they not travelled about in the land so that they may behold of what wise hath been the end of those who were before them? They were mightier than these in strength and in the traces in the land. Yet Allah laid hold of them for their sins, and from Allah they had none as protector. 21 That was because their messengers were coming to them with clear proofs, but they disbelieved, so Allah seized them. Indeed, He is Powerful and severe in punishment. 22 Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and an authority manifest, 23 unto Pharaoh, and Haman, and Qarun; but they [only] said, "A spellbinder is he, a liar!" 24 Now [as for Pharaoh and his followers,] when he came to them, setting forth the truth from Us, they said, "Slay the sons of those who share his beliefs, and spare [only] their women!" - but the guile of those deniers of the truth could not lead to aught but failure. 25 And Pharaoh said, 'Let me slay Moses, and let him call to his Lord. I fear that he may change, your religion, or that he may cause corruption to appear in the land.' 26 And Moses said, 'I take refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every man who is proud, and believes not in the Day of Reckoning.' 27