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028.044 Thou wast not on the Western side when We decreed the Commission to Moses, nor wast thou a witness (of
those events).
028.045 But We raised up (new) generations, and long were the ages that passed over them; but thou wast not a dweller
among the people of Madyan, rehearsing Our Signs to them; but it is We Who send apostles (with inspiration).
028.046 Nor wast thou at the side of (the Mountain of) Tur when we called (to Moses). Yet (art thou sent) as Mercy
from thy Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before thee: in order that they may receive
admonition.
028.047 If (We had) not (sent thee to the Quraish),- in case a calamity should seize them for (the deeds) that their
hands have sent forth, they might say: "Our Lord! why didst Thou not sent us an apostle? We should then have followed
Thy Signs and been amongst those who believe!"
028.048 But (now), when the Truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, "Why are not (Signs) sent to him, like
those which were sent to Moses?" Do they not then reject (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say:
"Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!" And they say: "For us, we reject all (such things)!"
028.049 Say: "Then bring ye a Book from God, which is a better guide than either of them, that I may follow it! (do),
if ye are truthful!"
028.050 But if they hearken not to thee, know that they only follow their own lusts: and who is more astray than one
who follow his own lusts, devoid of guidance from God? for God guides not people given to wrong-doing.
028.051 Now have We caused the Word to reach them themselves, in order that they may receive admonition.
028.052 Those to whom We sent the Book before this,- they do believe in this (revelation):
028.053 And when it is recited to them, they say: "We believe therein, for it is the Truth from our Lord: indeed we have
been Muslims (bowing to God's Will) from before this.
028.054 Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that
they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.
028.055 And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: "To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be
to you: we seek not the ignorant."
028.056 It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou lovest; but God guides those whom He will and
He knows best those who receive guidance.
028.057 They say: "If we were to follow the guidance with thee, we should be snatched away from our land." Have We
not established for them a secure sanctuary, to which are brought as tribute fruits of all kinds,- a provision from
Ourselves? but most of them understand not.
028.058 And how many populations We destroyed, which exulted in their life (of ease and plenty)! now those
habitations of theirs, after them, are deserted,- All but a (miserable) few! and We are their heirs!
028.059 Nor was thy Lord the one to destroy a population until He had sent to its centre an apostle, rehearsing to them
Our Signs; nor are We going to destroy a population except when its members practise iniquity.
028.060 The (material) things which ye are given are but the conveniences of this life and the glitter thereof; but that
which is with God is better and more enduring: will ye not then be wise?
028.061 Are (these two) alike?- one to whom We have made a goodly promise, and who is going to reach its
(fulfilment), and one to whom We have given the good things of this life, but who, on the Day of Judgment, is to be
among those brought up (for punishment)?
028.062 That Day (God) will call to them, and say "Where are my 'partners'?- whom ye imagined (to be such)?"
028.063 Those against whom the charge will be proved, will say: "Our Lord! These are the ones whom we led astray:
we led them astray, as we were astray ourselves: we free ourselves (from them) in Thy presence: it was not us they
worshipped."
028.064 It will be said (to them): "Call upon your 'partners' (for help)" :they will call upon them, but they will not listen
to them; and they will see the Penalty (before them); (how they will wish) 'if only they had been open to guidance!'
028.065 That Day (God) will call to them, and say: "What was the answer ye gave to the apostles?"
028.066 Then the (whole) story that Day will seem obscure to them (like light to the blind) and they will not be able
(even) to question each other.
028.067 But any that (in this life) had repented, believed, and worked righteousness, will have hopes to be among those