People pray as earnestly to gain evil as one should to gain virtue. But people are hasty. 11 We appointed the night and the day as two signs. Then, We blotted out the sign of the night and made the sign of the day to see, so that you seek the bounty of your Lord and that you know the number of years and the reckoning. And We have clearly distinguished everything. 12 And every man -- We have fastened to him his bird of omen upon his neck; and We shall bring forth for him, on the Day of Resurrection, a book he shall find spread wide open. 13 Read thine book; sufficeth today thy soul against thee as a reckoner. 14 Whosoever is guided, is only guided to his own gain, and whosoever goes astray, it is only to his own loss; no soul laden bears the load of another. We never chastise, until We send forth a Messenger. 15 When We decide to destroy a town We command the affluent among them, whereupon they commit sins in it, then the decree (of chastisement) becomes due against them and thereafter We destroy that town utterly. 16 How many generations We have destroyed after Noah! Thy Lord suffices as one who is aware of and sees the sins of His servants. 17 For whosoever desires this fleeting life We hasten for him whatever We will and to whom We want. Then, We have prepared Gehenna for him where he will be roasted, condemned and rejected. 18 The effort of one who faithfully strives hard for the (happiness) of the life to come will be appreciated (by God). 19 Each group will receive its share of your Lord's generosity. Your Lord's generosity is not limited. 20 See, how We have exalted some above others in this world, and in the Life to Come they will have higher ranks and greater degrees of excellence over others. 21 Take not with Allah another object of worship; or thou (O man!) wilt sit in disgrace and destitution. 22