The Hijjr Valley (Al-Hijjr)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Alif. Lam. Ra. THESE ARE MESSAGES of revelation - of a discourse clear in itself and clearly showing the truth. 1 Oft times would those who disbelieve fain that they had been Muslims. 2 Leave them to eat and enjoy, and for aspiration to involve them in play – so they will shortly come to 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 And yet they say: "You, to whom this Exposition has been sent are surely possessed of the Devil. 6 Why bringest thou not angels unto us, if thou art of the truthful? 7 We send not the angels down except for just cause: if they came (to the ungodly), behold! no respite would they have! 8 Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder; and behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption]. 9 (O Muhammad), certainly We did send Messengers before you among the nations which have gone by. 10 And there never came an apostle to them but they mocked him. 11 So We make it enter the hearts of the sinners. 12 They believe not therein, and already the example of the ancients hath gone forth. 13 And even if We open to them a gateway of heaven, so that they ascend into it all the while, 14 They would certainly say: Only our eyes have been covered over, rather we are an enchanted people. 15