a multitude of the ancients, 39 and a multitude of the later people. 40 BUT AS FOR those who have persevered in evil - what of those who have persevered in evil? 41 [They will be] in scorching fire and scalding water 42 And the shade of black smoke, 43 neither cool nor refreshing. 44 For, behold, in times gone by they were wont to abandon themselves wholly to the pursuit of pleasures, 45 And used to persist in the awful sin. 46 And said: "What! When we are dead and turned to dust and bones, shall we then be raised again? 47 And also our forefathers?" 48 Tell them, (O Prophet): “The earlier ones and the later ones 49 will indeed be gathered together at an appointed time on a Day known [only to God]: 50 Then shall you, O you who err and call it a lie! 51 shall all eat from the Tree of al-Zaqqum, 52 "Then you will fill your bellies therewith, 53 "And drink boiling water on top of it, 54 and you will drink as the lapping of thirsty camels. 55 Such will be their welcome on Judgment Day! 56 We have created you, then why would you not confirm it? 57 Did you ever consider the sperm that you emit? 58 Do you yourselves create it, or are We the Creators? 59 We have decreed among you Death; We shall not be outstripped; 60 from replacing you by others like yourselves or changing your forms and re-creating you in forms that you know nothing of. 61 You have known the first creation, then why do you not reflect? 62 Just ponder over what you sow: 63 Do you make it grow or is it We who make it grow? 64 Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment). 65 (Saying), "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing): 66 "Nay, but we are deprived!" 67 See ye the water which ye drink? 68 Is it you who sent it down from the clouds or is it We who have sent it down? 69 If We so pleased, We certainly could make it salty. Why, then, are you not grateful? 70 And have you seen the fire that you ignite? 71 Is it you that originated its tree, or are We the Originator? 72 We, even We, appointed it a memorial and a comfort for the dwellers in the wilderness. 73 Glorify, then, (O Prophet), the name of your Great Lord. 74