Has it not, then, become plain to those who have inherited the earth in the wake of the former generations that, had We so willed, We could have afflicted them for their sins, (they, however, are heedless to basic facts and so) We seal their hearts so that they hear nothing. 100 We have told you the stories of those towns: their messengers came to them with clear signs, but they were never going to believe in something they had already rejected. Thus God seals up the hearts of those who deny the truth. 101 We found no (loyalty to any) covenant in most of them. Nay, most of them We found wrong-doers. 102 After those We sent forth Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his nobles, but they dealt with Our signs unjustly. Observe, then, what happened to the mischief-makers. 103 And Moses said: "O Pharaoh! Verily, I am an apostle from the Sustainer of all the worlds, 104 Incumbent it is upon me that I speak naught respecting Allah save the truth; surely I have brought you an evidence from your Lord; wherefore let then go with me the Children of Isra'il. 105 Pharaoh said: if you have brought a sign, then bring it forth if you are truthful.' 106 Then Moses threw down his staff and suddenly, unmistakably, it appeared as a serpent, 107 and he drew forth his hand, and lo! it appeared [shining] white to the beholders. 108