The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Book, and a plain Quran. 1 A time will surely come when those who are bent on denying the truth will wish that they had surrendered themselves to God, 2 Leave them that they may eat and enjoy themselves and (that) hope may beguile them, for they will soon know. 3 Whenever We destroyed a town, a definite term had previously been decreed for it. 4 [but remember that] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [it]. 5 They say: 'You to whom the Remembrance is sent down, you are indeed mad. 6 "Why bringest thou not angels to us if it be that thou hast the Truth?" 7 [Yet] We never send down angels otherwise than in accordance with the [demands of] truth; and [were the angels to appear now,] lo! they [who reject this divine writ] would have no further respite! 8 We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). 9 We sent Messengers to the ancient people who lived before you. 10 But never once an apostle came to them at whom they did not scoff. 11 Even so do we let it creep into the hearts of the sinners - 12 That they should not believe in the (Message); but the ways of the ancients have passed away. 13 And even if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they were to continue ascending thereto, 14 They will say all the same: "Our eyes were dazed (and clouded over). We were a people ensorcelled." 15