How many communities of evil-doers We have destroyed, raising up other people 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 "Woe, alas," they said, "we were really sinful." 14 And this they did not stop crying out until We made them stubble, silent, and still. 15 And We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, unnecessarily. 16 had We desired to take to Us a diversion We would have taken it to Us from Ourselves, had We done aught. 17 Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe. 18 And whoever is in the heavens and the earth is His; and those who are with Him are not proud to serve Him, nor do they grow weary. 19 Nor cease to endeavour praising Him night and day. 20 Or have they taken gods from the earth who can raise the dead? 21 Had there been gods apart from God, both (the heavens and the earth) would have been despoiled. Much too glorious is God, the Lord of the mighty throne, for things they assert! 22 None shall question Him about what He does, but they shall 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 sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): There is no Allah save Me (Allah), so worship Me. 25 And they say; the Compassionate hath taken a son. Hallowed be He! aye! they are bondmen honoured. 26 They do not speak before He has, and they act only at His command. 27 He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (Glory). 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