But as for those who are bent on giving the lie to Our messages - We shall bring them low, step by step, without their perceiving how it came about: 182 for, behold, though I may give them rein for a while. My subtle scheme is exceedingly firm! 183 Reflect they not that in their companion there is no madness! he is naught but a manifest warner. 184 Have they not considered the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and what things Allah hath created, and that it may be that their own term draweth nigh? In what fact after this will they believe? 185 Whomsoever Allah sendeth astray, no guide is then for him, and He letteth them wander perplexed in their exorbitance. 186 They ask you about the Hour: "When is its determined time?" Say: "Only my Lord has the knowledge. No one can reveal it except He. Oppressive will it be for the heavens and the earth. When it comes, it will come unawares." They ask you about it as if you were in the know. You tell them: "Only God has the knowledge." But most people do not know. 187 Say [O Prophet]: "It is not within my power to bring benefit to, or avert harm from, myself, except as God may please. And if I knew that which is beyond the reach of human perception, abundant good fortune - would surely have fallen to my lot, and no evil would ever have touched me. I am nothing but a warner, and a herald of glad tidings unto people who will believe." 188