For, how many a community that persisted in evildoing have We dashed into fragments, and raised another people in its stead! 11 Then, when they perceived Our chastisement they took to their heels and fled. 12 We told them, "Do not run away. Come back to your luxuries and your houses so that you can be questioned". 13 They said: "Woe to us; surely we were wrong-doers." 14 And this their crying ceased not till We made them as reaped corn, extinct. 15 We created not the heaven and the earth, and whatsoever between them is, as playing; 16 If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)! 17 But in fact We hurl the truth upon falsehood, so it scatters its brains – thereupon it vanishes; and for you is the ruin due to the matters you fabricate. 18 To Him belongs whosoever dwells in the heavens and on earth. Those (angels) that are with Him neither disdain to serve Him out of pride, nor do they weary of it. 19 They never fail to exalt Him either at night or in the day. 20 Have they appointed from the earth, Gods that create something? 21 If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both! but glory to Allah, the Lord of the Throne: (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! 22 He cannot be questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned. 23 Have they taken gods other than Him? Say, (O Muhammad): "Bring forth your proof! Here is the Book with admonition for those of my time and there are also scriptures with admonition for people before me." But most people do not know the Truth, and have, therefore, turned away from it. 24 And We sent not before thee an apostle but We revealed unto him that there is no god but I, so worship Me. 25 And they say: "The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or children)." Glory to Him! They [those whom they call children of Allah i.e. the angels, 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.], are but honoured slaves. 26 They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command. 27 He knoweth what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him whom He accepteth, and they quake for awe of Him. 28 ۞ If any one of them says: 'I am a god other than Him' We will recompense him with Gehenna (Hell). As such We recompense the harmdoers. 29