How many habitations that were sinful have We demolished utterly, and raised other people after them. 11 Then, when they perceived Our chastisement they took to their heels and fled. 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: 'Alas for us we were harmdoers' 14 Such was what they continued to say until We mowed them down and made them completely extinct. 15 And We did not create the heaven and earth and that between them in play. 16 [for,] had We willed to indulge in a pastime, We would indeed have produced it from within Ourselves - if such had been Our will at all! 17 No, We hurl truth at falsehood, and it shall conquer it, and see, falsehood vanishes. Woe to you for all you have described. 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and the earth; and those who are with Him wax not too proud to do Him service neither grow weary, 19 They glorify (Him) night and day; they flag not. 20 Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (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 called to account for whatever He does, whereas they will be called to account: 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away. 24 We sent all messengers before you with this revelation: "There is no deity save Me, so worship Me alone." 25 And they say; the Compassionate hath taken a son. Hallowed be He! aye! they are bondmen honoured. 26 They do not precede Him in speech and (only) according to His commandment do they act. 27 He knoweth what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him whom He accepteth, and they quake for awe of Him. 28 ۞ Whoever of them should say, "I am a deity besides Him," shall be requited with Hell. Thus do We reward the wrongdoers. 29