How many communities of evil-doers We have destroyed, raising up other people after them. 11 Whensoever they sensed Our punishment they fled from them. 12 [Some angels said], "Do not flee but return to where you were given luxury and to your homes - perhaps you will be questioned." 13 They said, "Woe to us! We have been unjust". 14 And that cry of theirs did not cease until We caused them to become [like] a field mown down, still and silent as ashes. 15 It was not in play that We created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them. 16 Had We intended to take a pastime (i.e. a wife or a son, etc.), We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that). 17 In fact We strike the truth against the false, which shatters it, and it disappears. Woe to you for what you attribute (to Him)! 18 To Him belong all (creatures) in the heavens and on earth: Even those who are in His (very) Presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of His service): 19 They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or intermit. 20 Have they appointed from the earth, Gods that create something? 21 If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both! but glory to Allah, the Lord of the Throne: (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! 22 None shall question Him about His works, but they shall be questioned. 23 Have they taken gods besides God? Say: "Then bring your proof. Here is the Book of those who are with me, and the Book of those who have gone before me." But most men do not know the truth and turn away. 24 Not a messenger did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me. 25 And they say; the Compassionate hath taken a son. Hallowed be He! aye! they are bondmen honoured. 26 They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His Command. 27 He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory). 28 ۞ If any of them says, 'I am a god apart from Him', such a one We recompense with Gehenna; even so We recompense the evildoers. 29