The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif. Lam. Ra. These are verses of the Scripture and a plain Reading. 1 Again and again will those who disbelieve, wish that they had bowed (to Allah's will) in Islam. 2 Leave them alone; let them eat and enjoy themselves the while the hope [of vain delights] beguiles them: for in time they will come to know [the truth]. 3 We have never destroyed a township without a definite decree having been issued; 4 No people can outstrip the term for its destruction nor can it delay it. 5 (The unbelievers have said), "You to whom the Quran has been revealed are insane. 6 Why dost thou not bring before us angels, if thou art a man of truth? 7 [Yet] We never send down angels otherwise than in accordance with the [demands of] truth; and [were the angels to appear now,] lo! they [who reject this divine writ] would have no further respite! 8 Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian. 9 We had also sent apostles to people of earlier persuasions. 10 and never yet came an apostle to them without their deriding him. 11 We place in the hearts of sinners (disbelief). 12 They will not believe in it, while there has already occurred the precedent of the former peoples. 13 And [even] if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they continued therein to ascend, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15