۞ IT IS GOD who creates you [all in a states of weakness, and then, after weakness, ordains strength [for you,] and then, after [a period of] strength, ordains [old-age] weakness and grey hair. He creates what He wills; and He alone is all-knowing, infinite in His power. 54 [He it is who will cause you to die, and in time will resurrect you.] And when the Last Hour dawns, those who had been lost in sin will swear that they had not tarried [on earth] longer than an hour: thus were they wont to delude themselves [all their lives]! 55 But those to whom knowledge and belief have been given will say: 'You have stayed in the Book of Allah (the Protected Tablets) till the Day of Resurrection. This is the Day of Resurrection, yet you did not know' 56 So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail the transgressors, nor will they be invited (then) to seek grace (by repentance). 57 And assuredly We have propounded for mankind, in this Qur'an, every kind of similitude; and if thou bringest unto them a sign, those who disbelieve are sure to say: ye are but followers of falsehood. 58 In this wise Allah sealeth the hearts of those who believe not. 59 So be thou patient; surely God's promise is true; and let not those who have not sure faith make thee unsteady. 60