S (Saad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
Sad. CONSIDER this Qur'an, endowed with all that one ought to remember! 1 Nay! those who disbelieve are in self-exaltation and opposition. 2 How many ancient generations did We destroy? (On facing Our torment) they cried out for help, but it was too late for them to escape. 3 It seems strange to the pagans that a man from their own people should come to them as a Prophet. The unbelievers have said, "He is only a lying magician". 4 Maketh he the gods One God? Verily that is a thing astounding! 5 The chiefs among them go about, exhorting: Go and be staunch to your gods! Lo! this is a thing designed. 6 We have not heard of any such thing in the old religion. This is nothing but a fabrication. 7 What! Upon him alone from among all of us should a [divine] reminder have been bestowed from on high?" Nay, but it is My Own reminder that they distrust! Nay, they have not yet tasted the suffering which I do impose! 8 Or, are with them the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, the Bestower? 9 Or, is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and that which is in-between the twain? If so, let them ascend by steps. 10 A defeated host are (all) the factions that are there. 11 Before them the nations of Noah, Aad and Pharaoh, and he of the tentpegs belied, 12 Thamood, the nation of Lot and the dwellers of the Thicket such were the confederates. 13 Of all these there was not one who did not deny the messengers. So My retribution was justified. 14