The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the 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 Perchance the unbelievers will wish that they had surrendered: 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 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 They say: "O you to whom the Admonition has been revealed, you are surely crazed. 6 Why bringest thou not angels unto us, if thou art of the truthful? 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 And there never came an apostle to them but they mocked him. 11 Even so We make a way for it (that is, the Admonition) in the hearts of the culprits (like a hot rod); 12 they believe not in it, though the wont of the ancients is already gone. 13 Yet even had We opened to them a gateway to heaven and they had ascended, on and on, up to it, 14 They would certainly say: Only our eyes have been covered over, rather we are an enchanted people. 15