The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, 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 It may be that those who disbelieve wish ardently that they were Muslims. 2 so leave them to eat and enjoy themselves and let them be beguiled by vain hopes; for soon they will realise [the truth]. 3 And We did not destroy any city but that for it was a known decree. 4 No people can outstrip the term for its destruction nor can it delay it. 5 They say: "O you to whom the Admonition has been revealed, you are surely crazed. 6 "Why bringest thou not angels to us if it be that thou hast the Truth?" 7 We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment, etc.), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite! 8 Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder; and behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption]. 9 (O Muhammad), certainly We did send Messengers before you among the nations which have gone by. 10 But never once an apostle came to them at whom they did not scoff. 11 So We make it enter the hearts of the sinners. 12 They do not believe in it, and indeed the example of the former people has already passed. 13 If We opened a gate in the heaven and they kept ascending through it, 14 they would still say, "Our eyes have been dazzled. We are bewitched." 15