˹Even˺ if We had mercy on them and removed their affliction,1 they would still persist in their transgression, wandering blindly.
23:75
And We have already seized them with torment, but they never humbled themselves to their Lord, nor did they ˹submissively˺ appeal ˹to Him˺.
23:76
But as soon as We open for them a gate of severe punishment, they will be utterly desperate.
23:77
He is the One Who created for you hearing, sight, and intellect. ˹Yet˺ you hardly give any thanks.
23:78
And He is the One Who has dispersed you ˹all˺ over the earth, and to Him you will ˹all˺ be gathered.
23:79
And He is the One Who gives life and causes death, and to Him belongs the alternation of the day and night. Will you not then understand?
23:80
But they ˹just˺ say what their predecessors said.
23:81
They said, “Once we are dead and reduced to dust and bones, will we really be resurrected?
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We have already been promised this, as well as our forefathers earlier. This is nothing but ancient fables!”
23:83
Ask ˹them, O Prophet˺, “To whom belong the earth and all those on it, if you ˹really˺ know?”
23:84
They will reply, “To Allah!” Say, “Why are you not then mindful?”
23:85
˹And˺ ask ˹them˺, “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Mighty Throne?”
23:86
They will reply, “Allah.” Say, “Will you not then fear ˹Him˺?”
23:87
Ask ˹them also,˺ “In Whose Hands is the authority over all things, protecting ˹all˺ while none can protect against Him, if you ˹really˺ know?”
23:88
They will reply, “Allah.” Say, “How are you then so deluded?”
23:89