34 And messengers indeed were rejected before thee, but they were patient when rejected and persecuted, until Our help came to them. And there is none to change the words of Allāh. And there has already come to thee some information about the messengers.

35 And if their turning away is hard on thee, then, if thou canst, seek an opening into the earth or a ladder to heaven, to bring them a sign! And if Allāh pleased, He would certainly have gathered them all to guidance, so be not of the ignorant.

36 Only those accept who listen. And (as for) the dead, Allāh will raise them, then to Him they will be returned.

37 And they say: Why has not a sign been sent down to him from his Lord? Say: Surely Allāh is Able to send down a sign, but most of them know not.

38 And there is no animal in the earth, nor a bird that flies on its two wings, but (they are) communities like yourselves. We have not neglected anything in the Book. Then to their Lord will they be gathered.

39 And those who reject Our messages are deaf and dumb, in darkness. Whom Allāh pleases He leaves in error. And whom He pleases He places on the right way.

40 Say: See, if the chastisement of Allāh overtake you or the hour come upon you, will you call on others than Allāh, if you are truthful?

41 Nay, Him you call upon, so He removes that for which you pray, if He pleases, and you forget what you set up (with Him).

42 And indeed We sent (messengers) to nations before thee then We seized them with distress and affliction that they might humble themselves.

43 Yet why did they not, when Our punishment came to them, humble themselves? But their hearts hardened and the devil made all that they did seem fair to them.

44 Then, when they neglected that with which they had been admonished, We opened for them the gates of all things. Until, when they rejoiced in that which they were given, We seized them suddenly; then lo! they were in utter despair.