And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 And [every time,] as soon as they began to feel Our punishing might, lo! they tried to flee from it 12 'Do not run away. Return to your luxury that you rejoiced in, and your homes in order that you be questioned' 13 They said: "Ah! woe to us! We were indeed wrong-doers!" 14 And that cry of theirs did not cease until We caused them to become [like] a field mown down, still and silent as ashes. 15 We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play. 16 If We willed to choose a pastime, We could have chosen it from Ourselves – if We wanted to. 17 Nay, but We hurl the truth against falsehood and it prevails over it, and behold, falsehood vanishes away. Then woe to you for that you describe! 18 To Him belongs whosoever dwells in the heavens and on earth. Those (angels) that are with Him neither disdain to serve Him out of pride, nor do they weary of it. 19 They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so). 20 Or have they taken gods out of the earth who raise the dead? 21 Had there been in between the twain gods except Allah surely the twain would have gone to ruin. Hallowed be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, from that which they utter! 22 He shall not be questioned as to what He does, but they shall he questioned. 23 Have they taken gods other than Him? Say, (O Muhammad): "Bring forth your proof! Here is the Book with admonition for those of my time and there are also scriptures with admonition for people before me." But most people do not know the Truth, and have, therefore, turned away from it. 24 And We did not send before you any apostle but We revealed to him that there is no god but Me, therefore serve Me. 25 And they say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) servants raised to honour. 26 They speak not until He hath spoken, and they act by His command. 27 He knows all that lies open before them and all that is hidden from them: hence, they cannot intercede for any but those whom He has [already] graced with His goodly acceptance, since they themselves stand in reverent awe of Him. 28 ۞ The recompense of those of them who say that they are the Lord instead of God will be hell; thus, do We recompense the unjust ones. 29