The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

28: 69
The Story 249
We have provided for them, 55 and turn away whenever they hear
frivolous talk, saying, ‘We have our deeds and you have yours. Peace
be with you! We do not seek the company of ignorant people.’
56 You [Prophet] cannot guide everyone you love to the truth; it is
God who guides whoever He will: He knows best those who will
follow guidance. 57 They say, ‘If we were to follow guidance with you
[Prophet], we would be swept from our land.’ Have We not established
for them a secure sanctuary a where every kind of produce is
brought, as a provision from Us? But most of them do not comprehend.
58 We have destroyed many a community that once revelled in
its wanton wealth and easy living: since then their dwelling places
have barely been inhabited – We are the only heir. 59 Your Lord
would never destroy towns without first raising a messenger in their
midst to recite Our messages to them, nor would We destroy towns
unless their inhabitants were evildoers. 60 Whatever things you
have been given for the life of this world are merely [temporary]
gratification and vanity: that which is with God is better and more
lasting – will you not use your reason?
61 Can the person who will see the fulfilment of the good promise
We gave him be compared to someone We have given some enjoyments
for this worldly life but who, on the Day of Resurrection, will
be summoned? b 62 The Day will come when God will call them,
saying, ‘Where now are those you allege are My partners?’ 63 and
those [ringleaders] against whom the verdict will be passed will say,
‘Our Lord, these are the ones we caused to deviate. We caused them
to deviate as we ourselves deviated, but now we disown them before
You: they did not really serve us.’ 64 It will then be said to them,
‘Now call those you worshipped as partners,’ and they will call them
but receive no answer. They will see the suffering and wish they had
followed guidance. 65 On that Day He will call them, saying, ‘How
did you respond to My messengers?’ 66 All arguments will seem
obscure to them on that Day; they will not be able to consult one
another. 67 Yet anyone who has repented, believed, and done good
deeds can hope to find himself among the successful. 68 Your Lord
creates what He pleases and chooses those He will – they have no
choice – so glory be to God, and may He be exalted above the
partners they ascribe to Him! 69 Your Lord knows what their hearts
a Mecca. b For punishment.