How many a town (community), that were wrong-doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people! 11 When they felt Our punishment coming upon them, they began to flee from it. 12 They were told, "Do not try to flee, but return to the comfort and luxuries in which you exulted and to the places where you lived, so that you may be questioned." 13 They said, "Woe to us! We were indeed wrongdoers," 14 Such was what they continued to say until We mowed them down and made them completely extinct. 15 AND [know that] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play: 16 Had We wished to make a diversion, We would have made it from before Ourselves: by no means would We do (it). 17 Nay, but We hurl the truth against falsehood and it prevails over it, and behold, falsehood vanishes away. Then woe to you for that you describe! 18 Whosoever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; and those who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him or weary (of His service), 19 They glorify Him day and night without fail. 20 Or have men taken for themselves gods from the earth who resurrect [the dead]? 21 Had there been gods apart from God, both (the heavens and the earth) would have been despoiled. Much too glorious is God, the Lord of the mighty throne, for things they assert! 22 He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they chosen other gods beside Him? say: Bring your proof (of their godhead). This is the Reminder of those with me and those before me, but most of them know not the Truth and so they are averse. 24 We sent all messengers before you with this revelation: "There is no deity save Me, so worship Me alone." 25 They say 'The Merciful has taken a son' Exaltations to Him! No, they are only His honored worshipers, 26 They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command. 27 He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory). 28 ۞ The recompense of those of them who say that they are the Lord instead of God will be hell; thus, do We recompense the unjust ones. 29