For, how many a community that persisted in evildoing have We dashed into fragments, and raised another people in its stead! 11 And [every time,] as soon as they began to feel Our punishing might, lo! they tried to flee from it 12 [and at the same time they seemed to hear a scornful voice]: "Do not try to flee, but return to all that [once] gave you pleasure and corrupted your whole being, and [return] to your homes, so that you might be called to account [for what you have done]!" 13 They said: O woe to us! surely we were unjust. 14 and this they kept repeating until We caused them to become like a field mowed down, and reduced to ashes. 15 Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! 16 If We willed to choose a pastime, We could have chosen it from Ourselves – if We wanted to. 17 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us). 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship). 19 They glorify (Him) night and day; they flag not. 20 Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (the dead)? 21 Why, were there gods in earth and heaven other than God, they would surely go to ruin; so glory be to God, the Lord of the Throne, above that they describe! 22 He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Have they taken gods, other than Him? Say: 'Bring us your proof! Here is the Remembrance of he who is with me and the Remembrance of those before me' But no, most of them do not know the truth, therefore they turn away. 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 They said, "The Beneficent God has given birth to a son. He is too Exalted to give birth to a son." (Those whom they think are God's sons) are only His honorable servants. 26 They precede Him not in words, and by His command they work. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them. They intercede for none except for him whom He is well pleased, and they tremble in awe of Him. 28 ۞ If any one of them said: "I am God besides Him," We should award him Hell; for this is how We requite the evil-doers. 29