The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ ALIF LAM RA. These are the verses of the Book and the perspicuous oration. 1 And it will come to pass that those who are [now] bent on denying this truth will wish that they had surrendered themselves to God [in their life time]. 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 never did We destroy a town but it had a term made known. 4 No people can hasten or delay the term already fixed for them. 5 And they said, “O you upon whom the Qur’an has been sent, you are indeed insane.” 6 Why dost thou not bring the angels unto us, if thou speakest truly?' 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 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 We did send messengers before thee amongst the religious sects of old: 10 but there was never a messenger who came to them but they mocked him: 11 We place in the hearts of sinners (disbelief). 12 They do not believe in it even though the practice of the ancients has already gone. 13 If We were even to open for them a way to the heavens, and they could continually climb up to it in broad daylight, 14 they would still say, "Our eyes have been dazzled. We are bewitched." 15