Other generations

After them We raised a new generation.

Then We sent to them an apostle from among them (who said): "Worship God, for you have no other god but He. Will you not take heed and fear God?"

The chiefs of the people who did not believe and denied the life to come, though We had given them good things of this life to enjoy, (said): "He is only a mortal like you. He eats as you do, and drinks as you drink.

So if you follow a man like yourself you will certainly be doomed.

Does he give you a promise that when you are dead and turned to dust and bones, you will be raised to life again?

How far-fetched what you are promised;

There is only the life of this world: We die and we live: there is no rising from the dead for us.

He is just a man who invents a lie about God; we cannot believe in him."

(The apostle prayed): "O Lord, deliver me, for they accuse me of lies."

Answered (the Lord): "They shall wake up repenting soon."

So they were rightly seized by a mighty blast; and We turned them into mouldy rubbish: A good riddance of the wicked people!

Then after them We raised other generations.

No nation can live beyond its allotted time, or lag behind.

Then We sent Our apostles one after the other. Every time an apostle came to a people they denied him. So We made one follow the other (to its doom), and turned them into bygone tales. Cursed be the people who do not believe!