And many a township did We destroy, for they were unjust, and We created other nations after them. 11 And when its inhabitants perceived Our punishment, at once they fled from it. 12 They were told, "Do not try to flee, but return to the comfort and luxuries in which you exulted and to the places where you lived, so that you may be questioned." 13 And they could only cry: "Oh, woe unto us! Verily, we were wrongdoers!" 14 They did not cease to cry this until We reduced them to stubble, still and silent. 15 And We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, unnecessarily. 16 Had We wanted to play games, We could have certainly done so with things at hand. 17 In fact We strike the truth against the false, which shatters it, and it disappears. Woe to you for what you attribute (to Him)! 18 And to Him only belong all those who are in the heavens and in the earth; and those with Him are not conceited towards worshipping Him, nor do they tire. 19 They never fail to exalt Him either at night or in the day. 20 Or have they taken gods from the earth who can 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 cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides him? Say, "Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those with me and the Message of those before me." But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away. 24 And We did not send any Noble Messenger before you, but We divinely revealed to him that, “There is no God except I (Allah), therefore worship Me alone.” 25 And they say: The Beneficent Allah has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him. Nay! they are honored servants 26 They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command. 27 He knows what was there before them and what came after them; and they did not intercede for any one but whom He willed, and they were filled with 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