We sent forth Moses with Our signs and with manifest authority, 96 Unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they did follow the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was no right guide. 97 [And so] he shall go before his people on the Day of Resurrection, having led them [in this world] towards the fire [of the life to come]; and vile was the destination towards which they were led 98 A curse was sent to follow them in this world and then upon them on the Day of Resurrection. Evil is the offering to be offered. 99 That is of the tidings of the cities We relate to thee; some of them are standing and some stubble. 100 We were not unjust to them but they were unjust to themselves. The idols which they worshipped instead of God were of no help to them when Our decree came to pass. The idols only brought about their destruction. 101 And such is thy Sustainer's punishing grasp whenever He takes to task any community that is given to evildoing: verily, His punishing grasp is grievous, severe! 102 Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter. That is a Day whereon mankind will be gathered together, and that is a Day when all (the dwellers of the heavens and the earth) will be present. 103 Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed. 104 The Day it comes no soul will speak except by His permission. And among them will be the wretched and the prosperous. 105 So as to those who are unhappy, they shall be in the fire; for them shall be sighing and groaning in it: 106 Remaining in it as long as the heavens and the earth remain, except as much as your Lord willed*; indeed your Lord may do whatever, whenever, He wills. (* Remaining forever even after the heavens and the earth are destroyed.) 107 ۞ Those who are blessed will be in Paradise, where they will dwell so long as heaven and earth survive, unless your Lord wills otherwise: This will be a gift uninterrupted. 108 So, you should not entertain any doubt about those whom they worship: They only worship what their fathers had worshipped before them. We shall verily give them their meed without diminution. 109