People pray as earnestly to gain evil as one should to gain virtue. But people are hasty. 11 We appointed the night and the day as two signs. Then, We blotted out the sign of the night and made the sign of the day to see, so that you seek the bounty of your Lord and that you know the number of years and the reckoning. And We have clearly distinguished everything. 12 Every man's fate We have fastened on his own neck: On the Day of Judgment We shall bring out for him a scroll, which he will see spread open. 13 [and he will be told:] "Read this thy record! Sufficient is thine own self today to make out thine account!" 14 He who follows the Right Way shall do so to his own advantage; and he who strays shall incur his own loss. No one shall bear another's burden. And never do We punish any people until We send a Messenger (to make the Truth distinct from falsehood). 15 And when We intend that We shall destroy a town We command the affluent people thereof, then they transgress therein; wherefore the word is justified on them; then We annihilate it with utter annihilation. 16 How many generations have We destroyed since Noah! And Allah sufficeth as Knower and Beholder of the sins of His slaves. 17 Whoever desires this fleeting one, We may give him quickly – whatever We will, to whomever We will; and then assign hell for him; for him to enter it condemned, pushed around. 18 The effort of one who faithfully strives hard for the (happiness) of the life to come will be appreciated (by God). 19 We help these and those, a gift from your Lord; and your Lord's gift is not restricted. 20 Consider how We have given preference to some people above others, yet the life to come has more honor and respect. 21 Do not set up any other god with Allah lest you are rendered humiliated and helpless. 22