One of them will start the talk and say: "I had an intimate companion (on the earth),

"Who used to say, 'what! art thou amongst those who bear witness to the Truth (of the Message)?

"'When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"

(A voice) said: "Would ye like to look down?"

He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

He said: "By Allah! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!

"Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I should certainly have been among those brought (there)!

"Is it (the case) that we shall not die,

"Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?"

Verily this is the supreme achievement!

For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive.

Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum?

For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrong-doers.

For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-Fire:

The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils:

Truly they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.

Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

Then shall their return be to the (Blazing) Fire.

Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path;

So they (too) were rushed down on their footsteps!

And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray;-

But We sent aforetime, among them, (messengers) to admonish them;-

Then see what was the end of those who were admonished (but heeded not),-

Except the sincere (and devoted) Servants of Allah.

(In the days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear prayer.

And We delivered him and his people from the Great Calamity,

And made his progeny to endure (on this earth);

And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times:

"Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!"

Thus indeed do we reward those who do right.

For he was one of our believing Servants.

Then the rest we overwhelmed in the Flood.

Verily among those who followed his Way was Abraham.

Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.

Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?

"Is it a falsehood- gods other than Allah- that ye desire?

"Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?"

Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.

And he said, "I am indeed sick (at heart)!"

So they turned away from him, and departed.

Then did he turn to their gods and said, "will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)?...

"What is the matter with you that ye speak not (intelligently)?"

Then did he turn upon them, striking (them) with the right hand.

Then came (the worshippers) with hurried steps, and faced (him).

He said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?

"But Allah has created you and your handwork!"

They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!"

(This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

He said: "I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me!

"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!"