Like those before you: they were mightier than
you in power, and more abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their
portion (awhile), so enjoy your portion (awhile) as those before you enjoyed
their portion (awhile); and you indulged in play and pastime (and in telling
lies against Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad SAW) as they indulged in play and
pastime. Such are they whose deeds are in vain in this world and in the
Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers. (69) Has not the story
reached them of those before them? - The people of Nûh (Noah), ‘Âd, and Thamûd,
the people of Ibrâhîm (Abraham), the dwellers of Madyan (Midian) and the cities
overthrown [i.e. the people to whom Lût (Lot)
preached]; to them came their Messengers with clear proofs. So it was not Allâh
Who wronged them, but they used to wrong themselves. (70) The believers, men
and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one
another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all
that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e.
polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they
perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His
Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty,
All-Wise. (71) Allâh has promised the believers -men and women, - Gardens under
which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens
of 'Adn (Eden Paradise).
But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh. That is the supreme
success. (72)