The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Book, and a plain Quran. 1 Oft times would those who disbelieve fain that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them that they may eat and enjoy themselves and (that) hope may beguile them, for they will soon know. 3 And never did We destroy a township but there was a known decree for it. 4 [but remember that] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [it]. 5 They say: "O thou to whom the Message is being revealed! truly thou art mad (or possessed)! 6 Why dost thou not bring before us angels, if thou art a man of truth? 7 We do not send the angels but with truth, and then they would not be respited. 8 Surely We have revealed the Reminder and We will most surely be its guardian. 9 We sent Messengers to the ancient people who lived before you. 10 And no messenger would come to them except that they ridiculed him. 11 even so We cause it to enter into the hearts of the sinners -- 12 they do not believe in it. This has been the wont of people of this kind from ancient times. 13 Even if We open a door in the heavens and they ascend through it in broad daylight, 14 They would surely say: "Our eyes have been (as if) dazzled. Nay, we are a people bewitched." 15