The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ ALIF LAM RA. These are the verses of the Book and the perspicuous oration. 1 Oft times would those who disbelieve fain that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them to feast and revel, beguiled by hope; they will come to know soon. 3 And never did We destroy a township but there was a known decree for it. 4 Every nation can only live for the time appointed for it. 5 And yet, they [who deny the truth] say: "O thou unto whom this reminder has [allegedly] been bestowed from on high: verily, thou art mad! 6 Why dost thou not bring before us angels, if thou art a man of truth? 7 We send not the angels down save with judgment, and then they would not be respited. 8 We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). 9 We had also sent apostles to people of earlier persuasions. 10 And no messenger would come to them except that they ridiculed him. 11 Thus do We insert denial into the hearts of the criminals. 12 That they should not believe in the (Message); but the ways of the ancients have passed away. 13 Had We opened a door for them in the sky through which they could easily pass, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15