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 (But it was said unto them): Flee not, but return to that (existence) which emasculated you and to your dwellings, that ye may be questioned. 13 They said: 'Alas for us we were harmdoers' 14 And that cry of theirs ceased not, till We made them as a field that is mown, as ashes silent and quenched. 15 And We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, unnecessarily. 16 Had We wanted to play games, We could have certainly done so with things at hand. 17 Nay, but [by the very act of creation] We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it crushes the latter: and lo! it withers away. But woe unto you for all your [attempts at] defining [God] 18 To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and the earth; and those who are with Him wax not too proud to do Him service neither grow weary, 19 They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. 20 Have they appointed from the earth, Gods that create something? 21 Why, were there gods in earth and heaven other than God, they would surely go to ruin; so glory be to God, the Lord of the Throne, above that they describe! 22 He is not questioned whatever He does, whereas they will all be questioned. 23 Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], "Produce your proof. This [Qur'an] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me." But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away. 24 And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." 25 And they said, “The Most Gracious has chosen a son – Purity is to Him! In fact they are honourable bondmen.” 26 They speak not until He hath spoken, and they act by His command. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them. They intercede for none except for him whom He is well pleased, and they tremble in awe of Him. 28 ۞ And the one among them who says, “I am a God beside Allah” – We shall reward him with hell; this is how We punish the unjust. 29