And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in vain. That is the opinion of those who disbelieve. And woe unto those who disbelieve, from the Fire! 27 Do We consider the righteously striving believers equal to the evil-doers in the land? Are the pious ones equal to those who openly commit sin? 28 This is a blessed Book which We sent down to you [Muhammad], for people to ponder over its messages, and for those with understanding to take heed. 29 And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]. 30 When the noble galloping horses were displayed to him one evening, 31 Therefore Sulaiman said, “I cherish the love of these horses*, out of remembrance of my Lord”; he then ordered them to be raced until they vanished in a curtain out of sight. (To be used in holy war.) 32 Bring them back to me; so he began to slash (their) legs and necks. 33 But [ere this,] indeed, We had tried Solomon by placing upon his throne a [lifeless] body; and thereupon he turned [towards Us; and] 34 He prayed, "Lord forgive me! Grant me such power as no one after me will have -- You are the Most Generous Provider." 35 We subjected the wind to him, so that it blew gently at his bidding, wherever he directed it, 36 And made the demons subservient to him, all builders and divers. 37 And others bound together in shackles. 38 This is Our gift, so bestow thou or withhold, without rendering an account. 39 And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return (Paradise). 40