How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? 11 And [every time,] as soon as they began to feel Our punishing might, lo! they tried to flee from it 12 They were told, "Do not try to flee, but return to the comfort and luxuries in which you exulted and to the places where you lived, so that you may be questioned." 13 They said, "Woe to us! We were indeed wrongdoers," 14 Such was what they continued to say until We mowed them down and made them completely extinct. 15 It was not in play that We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. 16 Had it been Our will to find a pastime, We would have found one near at hand; if at all We were inclined to do so. 17 Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe. 18 And His is whosoever is in the heavens and the earth; and those nigh unto Him are not too stiff-necked for His worship nor are they weary. 19 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Have they taken gods from the earth who raise the deed? 21 Had there been within the heavens and earth gods besides Allah, they both would have been ruined. So exalted is Allah, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe. 22 He will not be questioned as to that which He doeth, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away. 24 To all the Messengers that were sent before you We revealed that I am the only God to be worshipped. 25 And they said, “The Most Gracious has chosen a son – Purity is to Him! In fact they are honourable bondmen.” 26 They do not precede Him in speech and (only) according to His commandment do they act. 27 He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive. 28 ۞ And if any of them should say: "Verily, I am an ilah (a god) besides Him (Allah)," such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.). 29