And how many a city have We overthrown which were doing wrong, and We caused to grow up thereafter another nation! 11 When they found Our torment approaching them they started to run away from the town. 12 Flee not, but return to that wherein you lived a luxurious life, and to your homes, in order that you may be questioned. 13 "Woe, alas," they said, "we were really sinful." 14 So they ceased not to cry, until We made them stubble, silent and still. 15 And We created not the heaven and the earth and that which is in between in play. 16 Had We wished to take to Us an amusement We would have taken it to Us from Ours had We done so. 17 Nay, We hurl the Truth at falsehood so that the Truth crushes falsehood, and lo! it vanishes. Woe to you for what you utter! 18 To Him belong all (creatures) in the heavens and on earth: Even those who are in His (very) Presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of His service): 19 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Have they appointed from the earth, Gods that create something? 21 had there been in heaven or on earth any deities other than God, both [those realms would surely have fallen into ruin! But limitless in His glory is God, enthroned in His awesome almightiness far] above anything that men may devise by way of definition! 22 He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Have they taken gods besides God? Say: "Then bring your proof. Here is the Book of those who are with me, and the Book of those who have gone before me." But most men do not know the truth and turn away. 24 We sent all messengers before you with this revelation: "There is no deity save Me, so worship Me alone." 25 And they say: "The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or children)." Glory to Him! They [those whom they call children of Allah i.e. the angels, 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.], are but honoured slaves. 26 They do not outstrip Him in speech and only act as He commands. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede without His permission. Indeed they themselves stand in awe of Him. 28 ۞ And whosoever of them should say: verily I am a god beside Him, such a one We shall requite with Hell; thus We requite the wrong-doers. 29