AND [thus it is:] We have not created heaven and earth and all that is between them without meaning and purpose, as is the surmise of those who are bent on denying the truth: but then, woe from the fire [of hell] unto all who are bent on denying the truth! 27 Shall We make those who believe and work righteous works like unto the corrupters in the earth; or shall We make the God-fearing like unto the wicked! 28 [All this have We expounded in this] blessed divine writ which We have revealed unto thee, [O Muhammad,] so that men may ponder over its messages, and that those who are endowed with insight may take them to heart. 29 We gave David Solomon. He was an excellent servant who always turned to God. 30 When there were shown to him at eventide lightfooted coursers 31 And he said, "Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until the sun disappeared into the curtain [of darkness]." 32 Bring them back to me' And he hacked their legs and necks (slaughtering them for Allah). 33 Surely We put Solomon to the test and cast upon his throne a mere body. Thereupon he penitently turned (to Us). 34 He said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower." 35 So We made the wind subservient unto him, setting fair by his command whithersoever he intended. 36 and also the jinn, every kind of builder and diver 37 and others chained in fetters. 38 'This is Our gift; bestow or withhold without reckoning.' 39 In Our eyes he certainly has a high position and the best place to return. 40