And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 And when they felt Our Might they fled from it. 12 [and at the same time they seemed to hear a scornful voice]: "Do not try to flee, but return to all that [once] gave you pleasure and corrupted your whole being, and [return] to your homes, so that you might be called to account [for what you have done]!" 13 "Woe, alas," they said, "we were really sinful." 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 We did not create in sport the heavens and the earth and all that lies between the two. 16 Had We wished to find a pastime, We would surely have found it in that which is with Us, if such had been Our will. 17 But in fact We hurl the truth upon falsehood, so it scatters its brains – thereupon it vanishes; and for you is the ruin due to the matters you fabricate. 18 To Him belongs whosoever dwells in the heavens and on earth. Those (angels) that are with Him neither disdain to serve Him out of pride, nor do they weary of it. 19 They say His Purity night and day, and do not slacken. 20 Or have they taken gods from the earth who raise (the dead). 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 shall be questioned not as to that which He doth, while they shall be questioned. 23 Have they taken gods beside Him? Say thou: forth with your proof This is an admonition unto those with me and an admonition unto those before me. But most of them knew not the truth, and so they are averters. 24 And We sent never a Messenger before thee except that We revealed to him, saying, 'There is no god but I; so serve Me.' 25 They say, "The All Merciful has taken a son!" Glory be to Him! They are only His honoured servants: 26 They did not precede Him in their speech, and acted on His command. 27 He knoweth whatsoever is before them and whatsoever is behind them; and they intercede not except for him whom He approveth, and in awe of Him they are fearful. 28 ۞ And the one among them who says, “I am a God beside Allah” – We shall reward him with hell; this is how We punish the unjust. 29