The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ ALIF LAM RA. These are the verses of the Book and the perspicuous oration. 1 It may be that those who disbelieve wish ardently that they were Muslims. 2 leave them to eat, and to take their joy, and to be bemused by hope; certainly they will soon know! 3 We have never destroyed a township without a definite decree having been issued; 4 No people can hasten on their doom nor can they postpone (it). 5 They say, "You to whom the Reminder [the Quran] has been sent down, you are surely possessed. 6 Why do you not bring down the angels upon us, if you are truthful?" 7 We do not send angels except with the truth. Then they shall 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 And indeed We sent Noble Messengers before you, to the former nations. 10 but there was never a messenger who came to them but they mocked him: 11 This is how We make the mocking* enter the hearts of the guilty. (* The acts of disbelief.) 12 They do not believe in the Truth and they exactly follow the tradition of the ancient (unbelievers) 13 Though We opened to them a gate in heaven, and still they mounted through it, 14 They would certainly say: Only our eyes have been covered over, rather we are an enchanted people. 15