And how many a city which was unjust have We shattered and produced after it another people. 11 Then, when they perceived Our chastisement they took to their heels and fled. 12 Flee not, but return to that wherein you lived a luxurious life, and to your homes, in order that you may be questioned. 13 They cried, “Woe to us, we were indeed unjust!” 14 And that cry of theirs ceased not, till We made them as a field that is reaped, extinct (dead). 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 No, We hurl truth at falsehood, and it shall conquer it, and see, falsehood vanishes. Woe to you for all you have described. 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on the earth and those that are with Him are never too proud to worship Him, nor do they grow weary; 19 They glorify Him night and day, without flagging. 20 Have they taken gods from the earth who raise the deed? 21 If there had been in them any gods except Allah, they would both have certainly been in a state of disorder; therefore glory be to Allah, the Lord of the dominion, above what they attribute (to Him). 22 None shall question Him about what He does, but they shall be questioned. 23 Have they taken other deities besides Him? Say to them, "Bring your proofs. This is the reminder of those who are with me and the reminder of those who were before me." But most of them do not know the truth, and so they turn away from it. 24 And We sent never a Messenger before thee except that We revealed to him, saying, 'There is no god but I; so serve Me.' 25 And they say, "The Most Merciful has taken a son." Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honored servants. 26 who do not surpass Him in speech, and do as He commands. 27 He knows all that lies open before them and all that is hidden from them: hence, they cannot intercede for any but those whom He has [already] graced with His goodly acceptance, since they themselves stand in reverent awe of Him. 28 ۞ And if anyone of them were to claim: "Indeed I am a god apart from Him," We shall recompense both with Hell. Thus do We recompense the wrong-doers. 29