As it is, man [often] prays for things that are bad as if he were praying for something that is good: for man is prone to be hasty [in his judgments]. 11 And We have appointed the night and the day as two signs; then We blurred the sign of the night and made the sign of the day illuminating that ye may seek grace from your Lord, and that ye may know the number of the years and the reckoning; and everything We have detailed in full details. 12 And every man -- We have fastened to him his bird of omen upon his neck; and We shall bring forth for him, on the Day of Resurrection, a book he shall find spread wide open. 13 Read thine book; sufficeth today thy soul against thee as a reckoner. 14 Who receiveth guidance, receiveth it for his own benefit: who goeth astray doth so to his own loss: No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another: nor would We visit with Our Wrath until We had sent an messenger (to give warning). 15 And when We would destroy a township We send commandment to its folk who live at ease, and afterward they commit abomination therein, and so the Word (of doom) hath effect for it, and we annihilate it with complete annihilation. 16 And how many of the generations did We destroy after Nuh! and your Lord is sufficient as Knowing and Seeing with regard to His servants' faults. 17 "Whosoever desires what hastes away, We hasten to give him (in this life) as much as We please to whosoever We will; but afterwards there is Hell for him in which he will burn, disgraced and ostracised. 18 The effort of one who faithfully strives hard for the (happiness) of the life to come will be appreciated (by God). 19 We help these and those, a gift from your Lord; and your Lord's gift is not restricted. 20 Consider how We have given preference to some people above others, yet the life to come has more honor and respect. 21 Take not with Allah another object of worship; or thou (O man!) wilt sit in disgrace and destitution. 22