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neither we nor our fathers,- nor should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His." So did those who went before
them. But what is the mission of apostles but to preach the Clear Message?
016.036 For We assuredly sent amongst every People an apostle, (with the Command), "Serve God, and eschew Evil":
of the People were some whom God guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel
through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).
016.037 If thou art anxious for their guidance, yet God guideth not such as He leaves to stray, and there is none to help
them.
016.038 They swear their strongest oaths by God, that God will not raise up those who die: Nay, but it is a promise
(binding) on Him in truth: but most among mankind realise it not.
016.039 (They must be raised up), in order that He may manifest to them the truth of that wherein they differ, and that
the rejecters of Truth may realise that they had indeed (surrendered to) Falsehood.
016.040 For to anything which We have willed, We but say the word, "Be", and it is.
016.041 To those who leave their homes in the cause of God, after suffering oppression,- We will assuredly give a
goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater. If they only realised (this)!
016.042 (They are) those who persevere in patience, and put their trust on their Lord.
016.043 And before thee also the apostles We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this
not, ask of those who possess the Message.
016.044 (We sent them) with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee (also) the
Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.
016.045 Do then those who devise evil (plots) feel secure that God will not cause the earth to swallow them up, or that
the Wrath will not seize them from directions they little perceive?-
016.046 Or that He may not call them to account in the midst of their goings to and fro, without a chance of their
frustrating Him?-
016.047 Or that He may not call them to account by a process of slow wastage - for thy Lord is indeed full of kindness
and mercy.
016.048 Do they not look at God's creation, (even) among (inanimate) things,- How their (very) shadows turn round,
from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to God, and that in the humblest manner?
016.049 And to God doth obeisance all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether moving (living) creatures or the
angels: for none are arrogant (before their Lord).
016.050 They all revere their Lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded.
016.051 God has said: "Take not (for worship) two gods: for He is just One God: then fear Me (and Me alone)."
016.052 To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him is duty due always: then will ye fear other
than God?
016.053 And ye have no good thing but is from God: and moreover, when ye are touched by distress, unto Him ye cry
with groans;
016.054 Yet, when He removes the distress from you, behold! some of you turn to other gods to join with their Lord-
016.055 (As if) to show their ingratitude for the favours we have bestowed on them! then enjoy (your brief day): but
soon will ye know (your folly)!
016.056 And they (even) assign, to things they do not know, a portion out of that which We have bestowed for their
sustenance! By God, ye shall certainly be called to account for your false inventions.
016.057 And they assign daughters for God! - Glory be to Him! - and for themselves (sons,- the issue) they desire!
016.058 When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with
inward grief!
016.059 With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on
(sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil (choice) they decide on?
016.060 To those who believe not in the Hereafter, applies the similitude of evil: to God applies the highest similitude:
for He is the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.
016.061 If God were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature:
but He gives them respite for a stated Term: When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment)