The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
۞ 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 And it will come to pass that those who are [now] bent on denying this truth will wish that they had surrendered themselves to God [in their life time]. 2 so leave them to eat and enjoy themselves and let them be beguiled by vain hopes; for soon they will realise [the truth]. 3 We have never destroyed a township without a definite decree having been issued; 4 No nation can outstrip its term, nor do they put it back. 5 (The unbelievers have said), "You to whom the Quran has been revealed are insane. 6 Why do you not bring down angels upon us if you are indeed truthful?" 7 [Yet] We never send down angels otherwise than in accordance with the [demands of] truth; and [were the angels to appear now,] lo! they [who reject this divine writ] would have no further respite! 8 Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). 9 We sent Messengers to the ancient people who lived before you. 10 And never does a Noble Messenger come to them, but they mock at him. 11 even so We cause it to enter into the hearts of the sinners -- 12 They will not believe in it, though they have before them the example of former peoples, 13 Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue (all day) ascending therein, 14 they would surely have said, "It is only our eyes that are spellbound! Nay, we have been bewitched! 15