Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers: 'Return to our faith or we will banish you from our land' But Allah revealed to them: 'We shall destroy the harmdoers 13 And establish you in their place. This is for him who fears My station, and dreads My commination." 14 But they sought victory and decision (there and then), and frustration was the lot of every powerful obstinate transgressor. 15 with hell awaiting him; and he shall be made to drink of the water of most bitter distress, 16 which he gulps and can scarcely swallow. Death will come to him from every side, yet he cannot die, and yet to come is a dreadful punishment. 17 The deeds of those who deny the existence of their Lord are like ashes blown about by a strong wind on a stormy day. They will achieve nothing from their deeds. (What they have done) is a manifest error. 18 Hast thou not seen that Allah hath created the heavens and the earth with truth? If He will, He can remove you and bring (in) some new creation; 19 indeed, that is no great thing for Allah. 20 And all [mankind] will appear before God [on the Day of Judgment]; and then the weak will say unto those who had gloried in their arrogance: "Behold, We were but your followers: can you, then, relieve us of something of God's chastisement?" [And the others] will answer: "If God would but show us the way [to salvation,] we would indeed guide you [towards it]. It is [now] all one, as far as we are concerned, whether we grieve impatiently or endure [our lot] with patience: there is no escape for us!" 21