Can he whose breast Allah has opened up for Islam and who is thus (moving along a Path) illumined by a light from Allah (be likened to him who derives no lesson from what he observes)? Woe, then, to those whose hearts were further hardened after Allah's admonition. Such are indeed in obvious error. 22 Allah hath (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent, (wherein promises of reward are) paired (with threats of punishment), whereat doth creep the flesh of those who fear their Lord, so that their flesh and their hearts soften to Allah's reminder. Such is Allah's guidance, wherewith He guideth whom He will. And him whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide. 23 Is he who guards himself with his face against the evil of the chastisement on the Day of Resurrection...? And it is said to the evildoers, 'Taste now that you were earning!' 24 Those before them belied, and so the torment came on them from directions they perceived not. 25 So Allah made them taste degradation in the life of this world, and certainly the chastisement of the Hereafter will be much more grievous. Would that they knew! 26 And assuredly We have propounded for mankind in this Qur'an all kinds of similitudes, that haply they may be admonished. 27 as a discourse in the Arabic tongue, free of all deviousness, so that they might become conscious of God. 28 God has struck a similitude -- a man in whom partners disagreeing share, and a man the property of one man. Are the two equal in likeness? Praise belongs to God! Nay, but most of them do not know. 29 (O Prophet), you are destined to die and they too are destined to die. 30 In the end will ye (all), on the Day of Judgment, settle your disputes in the presence of your Lord. 31