How many a town (community), that were wrong-doers, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people! 11 And when they tasted Our punishment, they immediately started fleeing from it. 12 They were told, "Do not try to flee, but return to the comfort and luxuries in which you exulted and to the places where you lived, so that you may be questioned." 13 They said, "Woe to us! We have been unjust". 14 And this they did not stop crying out until We made them stubble, silent, and still. 15 And We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, unnecessarily. 16 Had We wished to find a pastime, We would surely have found it in that which is with Us, if such had been Our will. 17 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us). 18 Whosoever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; and those who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him or weary (of His service), 19 They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken. 20 Or have men taken for themselves gods from the earth who resurrect [the dead]? 21 If there had been in them any gods except Allah, they would both have certainly been in a state of disorder; therefore glory be to Allah, the Lord of the dominion, above what they attribute (to Him). 22 He cannot be called to account for whatever He does, whereas they will be called to account: 23 Have they taken gods, other than Him? Say: 'Bring us your proof! Here is the Remembrance of he who is with me and the Remembrance of those before me' But no, most of them do not know the truth, therefore they turn away. 24 And We did not send before you any apostle but We revealed to him that there is no god but Me, therefore serve Me. 25 And they say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) servants raised to honour. 26 They do not speak before He has, and they act only at His command. 27 He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for him whom He likes, and they fear with awe of Him. (The Holy Prophets and virtuous people will be given the permission to intercede. Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him – will be the first to intercede.) 28 ۞ Whoever of them should say, "I am a deity besides Him," shall be requited with Hell. Thus do We reward the wrongdoers. 29