The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif. Lam. Ra. These are verses of the Scripture and a plain Reading. 1 The unbelievers would haply like to wish that they had submitted (and become Muslim). 2 Leave them alone, to enjoy (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: let (false) hope amuse them: soon will knowledge (undeceive them). 3 We never destroyed any town without pre-ordaining the fate of its people. 4 No nation can anticipate its term, nor delay it. 5 And yet they say: "You, to whom this Exposition has been sent are surely possessed of the Devil. 6 Why do you not bring down the angels upon us, if you are truthful?" 7 But We send down the angels only to bring justice and then they will not be reprieved. 8 Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder; and behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption]. 9 And We had certainly sent [messengers] before you, [O Muhammad], among the sects of the former peoples. 10 No Messenger went to them whom they did not mock. 11 Even so We make a way for it (that is, the Admonition) in the hearts of the culprits (like a hot rod); 12 who do not believe in it, although the way which those [evildoers] of olden times had to go has long been within their ken. 13 Yet even had We opened to them a gateway to heaven and they had ascended, on and on, up to it, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15