The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif Lam Ra. Those are the signs of the Book and of a manifest Koran. 1 A time will surely come when those who are bent on denying the truth will wish that they had surrendered themselves to God, 2 so leave them to eat and enjoy themselves and let them be beguiled by vain hopes; for soon they will realise [the truth]. 3 We have never destroyed a township without a definite decree having been issued; 4 [but remember that] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [it]. 5 And yet they say: "You, to whom this Exposition has been sent are surely possessed of the Devil. 6 Why bringest thou not angels unto us, if thou art of the truthful? 7 We send not down the angels, save with truth; 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 We sent Messengers to the ancient people who lived before you. 10 But never came a messenger to them but they mocked him. 11 Thus do We insert denial into the hearts of the criminals. 12 They do not believe in it even though the practice of the ancients has already gone. 13 If We were even to open for them a way to the heavens, and they could continually climb up to it in broad daylight, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15