Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: for he was specially chosen, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet.

And we called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for mystic (converse).

And, out of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a prophet.

Also mention in the Book (the story of) Isma'il: He was (strictly) true to what he promised, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet.

He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.

Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet:

And We raised him to a lofty station.

Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.

But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts soon, then, will they face Destruction,-

Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least,-

Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass.

They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace: And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening.

Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against Evil.

(The angels say:) "We descend not but by command of thy Lord: to Him belongeth what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between: and thy Lord never doth forget,-

"Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is between them; so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: knowest thou of any who is worthy of the same Name as He?"

Man says: "What! When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?"

But does not man call to mind that We created him before out of nothing?

So, by thy Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and (also) the Evil Ones (with them); then shall We bring them forth on their knees round about Hell;

Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious.

And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein.

Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished.

But We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, (humbled) to their knees.

When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, the Unbelievers say to those who believe, "Which of the two sides is best in point of position? Which makes the best show in council?"

But how many (countless) generations before them have we destroyed, who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye?

Say: "If any men go astray, (Allah) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see the warning of Allah (being fulfilled) - either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour,- they will at length realise who is worst in position, and (who) weakest in forces!

"And Allah doth advance in guidance those who seek guidance: and the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best in respect of (their) eventual return."

Hast thou then seen the (sort of) man who rejects Our Signs, yet says: "I shall certainly be given wealth and children?"

Has he penetrated to the Unseen, or has he taken a contract with (Allah) Most Gracious?

Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall add and add to his punishment.

To Us shall return all that he talks of and he shall appear before Us bare and alone.

And they have taken (for worship) gods other than Allah, to give them power and glory!

Instead, they shall reject their worship, and become adversaries against them.

Seest thou not that We have set the Evil Ones on against the unbelievers, to incite them with fury?

So make no haste against them, for We but count out to them a (limited) number (of days).

The day We shall gather the righteous to (Allah) Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honours,

And We shall drive the sinners to Hell, like thirsty cattle driven down to water,-

None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious.

They say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!"

Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous!

At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,

That they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious.

For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son.

Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant.

He does take an account of them (all), and hath numbered them (all) exactly.

And everyone of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment.

On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow love.

So have We made the (Qur'an) easy in thine own tongue, that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention.

But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed? Canst thou find a single one of them (now) or hear (so much as) a whisper of them?