The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Book, and a plain Quran. 1 Oft times would those who disbelieve fain that they had been Muslims. 2 (Muhammad), leave them alone to eat and enjoy themselves and let their desires deceive them; they will soon know (the Truth). 3 And We destroyed no township but there was a known decree for it. 4 [but remember that] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [it]. 5 And yet, they [who deny the truth] say: "O thou unto whom this reminder has [allegedly] been bestowed from on high: verily, thou art mad! 6 Why bringest thou not angels unto us if thou art of the truthtellers! 7 We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment, etc.), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite! 8 Lo! We, even We, reveal the Reminder, and lo! We verily are its Guardian. 9 We sent Messengers to the ancient people who lived before you. 10 And not an apostle came unto them but at him they were wont to mock. 11 Thus do We let it (polytheism and disbelief) enter into the hearts of the Mujrimun [criminals, polytheists, pagans, etc. (because of their mockery at the Messengers)]. 12 They will not believe in it, while there has already occurred the precedent of the former peoples. 13 And even if We open to them a gateway of heaven, so that they ascend into it all the while, 14 they would still say, "Our eyes have been dazzled. We are bewitched." 15