۞ Have they, then, never journeyed about the earth and beheld what happened in the end to those [deniers of the truth] who lived before their time? Greater were they in power than they are, and in the impact which they left on earth: but God took them to task for their sins, and they had none to defend them against God: 21 that was because their messengers came to them with clear signs but they rejected them. So God seized them: He is powerful, severe in punishment. 22 We also sent Moses with Our signs and a clear authority, 23 unto Pharaoh, and Haman, and Qarun; but they [only] said, "A spellbinder is he, a liar!" 24 And when he brought the truth to them from Us, they said: "Slay the sons of those who believe with him, and spare their women." But the unbelievers' stratagem is bound to fail. 25 And Fir'awn said: let me alone, that I may slay Musa, and let him call upon his Lord. Verily I fear that he may change your religion or that he may cause to appear in the land corruption. 26 Moses said: 'I take refuge in my Lord and in your Lord from every proud (person), who does not believe in Day of Reckoning' 27