Deem not that Allah is unaware of what the wicked do. He but giveth them a respite till a day when eyes will stare (in terror), 42 when they shall run with their necks outstretched and heads erect, their glances never return to themselves, their hearts are empty. 43 (Muhammad), warn the people of the day when torment will approach them and the unjust will say, "Lord, give us respite for a little time so that we may answer your call and follow the Messengers." (The answer to their prayer will be), "Did you not swear before that you would never perish? 44 And yet, you dwelt in the dwelling-places of those who had sinned against their own selves [before your time,] and it was made obvious to you how We had dealt with them: for We have set forth unto you many a parable [of sin, resurrection and divine retribution]." 45 They devised evil plans which were so sinful that even the mountains could not endure them. All these were known to God. 46 HENCE, do not think that God will fail to fulfil the promise which He gave to His apostles: verily, God is almighty, an avenger of evil! 47 [His promise will be fulfilled] on the Day when the earth shall be changed into another earth, as shall be the heavens and when [all men] shall appear before God, the One who holds absolute sway over all that exists. 48 And you will see the guilty on that day linked together in chains. 49 clothed in garments of black pitch, with fire veiling their faces. 50 that God may recompense every soul for its earnings; surely God is swift at the reckoning. 51 This is a message for mankind that they may take a warning from it, and may know that He is the one and only God, and that men of wisdom may reflect. 52