PART 17

The Prophets

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

[21:1]

Their reckoning draweth nigh for mankind, while they turn away in heedlessness.

[21:2]

Never cometh there unto them a new reminder from their Lord but they listen to it while they play,

[21:3]

With hearts preoccupied. And they confer in secret. The wrong- doers say: Is this other than a mortal like you ? Will ye then succumb to magic when ye see (it) ?

[21:4]

He saith: My Lord knoweth what is spoken in the heaven and the earth. He is the Hearer, the Knower.

[21:5]

Nay, say they, (these are but) muddled dreams; nay, he hath but invented it; nay, he is but a poet. Let him bring us a portent even as those of old (who were God’s messengers) were sent (with portents).

[21:6]

Not a township believed of those which We destroyed before them (though We sent them portents): would they then believe ?

[21:7]

And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not ?

[21:8]

We gave them not bodies that would not eat food, nor were they immortals.

[21:9]

Then we fulfilled the promise unto them. So we delivered them and whom We would, and We destroyed the prodigals.

[21:10]

Now We have revealed unto you a Scripture wherein is your Reminder. Have ye then no sense ?