S (Saad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Suad, I swear by the Quran, full of admonition. 1 But the unbelievers are still full of pride and hostility. 2 How many a generation We destroyed before them, and they cried out when it was no longer the time for escape! 3 Now these [people] deem it strange that a warner should have come unto them from their own midst - and [so] the deniers of the truth are saying: "A [mere] spellbinder is he, a liar! 4 Has he made the gods one single God? This is truly astounding.” 5 And the elders among them went forth saying: “Go ahead and be steadfast in adhering to your deities. What is being said is with a design.” 6 We heard not thereof in the later faith; this is naught but an invention. 7 Has the reminder been revealed to him from among us? Nay! they are in doubt as to My reminder. Nay! they have not yet tasted My chastisement! 8 Or is it that they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the great Giver? 9 Or, is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and that which is in-between the twain? If so, let them ascend by steps. 10 The army is defeated as (were) the confederates. 11 The people of Noah denied before them, and [the tribe of] 'Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes, 12 And (the tribe of) Thamud, and the folk of Lot, and the dwellers in the wood: these were the factions. 13 Of all these there was not one who did not deny the messengers. So My retribution was justified. 14