The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ Alif Lam Ra. These are the verses of a clear Book, the Quran. 1 Often will those who disbelieve wish that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them alone, to enjoy (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: let (false) hope amuse them: soon will knowledge (undeceive them). 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 And they say: O you to whom the Reminder has been revealed! you are most surely insane: 6 Why do you not bring down the angels upon us, if you are truthful?" 7 We do not send down angels except for a genuine purpose, at which time none will be given any further respite. 8 Indeed We have sent down the Qur’an, and indeed We Ourselves surely are its Guardians. (This is one of the miracles of the Qur’an – no one has been able to change even one letter of its text, despite every effort. It has remained in its original form since the 6th Century (A. D) and will remain so forever. Other Holy Books such as the Torah and the Bible have lost their originality.) 9 (O Muhammad), certainly We did send Messengers before you among the nations which have gone by. 10 And not an apostle came unto them but at him they were wont to mock. 11 Even so we make a way for it in the hearts of the culprits. 12 They do not believe in it, and indeed the example of the former people has already passed. 13 And if We open for them a gate in the heavens, to ascend it through the day – 14 They would say, "Our eyes have only been dazzled. Rather, we are a people affected by magic." 15