(43:22) Rather, they say, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided." (43:23) And similarly, We did not send before you any warner into a city except that its affluent said, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are, in their footsteps, following." (43:24) [Each warner] said, "Even if I brought you better guidance than that [religion] upon which you found your fathers?" They said, "Indeed we, in that with which you were sent, are disbelievers." (43:25) So we took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers. (43:26) And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship (43:27) Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me." (43:28) And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it]. (43:29) However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger. (43:30) But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers." (43:31) And they said, "Why was this Qur`an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?" (43:32) Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate. (43:33) And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount (43:34) And for their houses - doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline (43:35) And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous. (43:36) And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion. (43:37) And indeed, the devils avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think that they are [rightly] guided (43:38) Until, when he comes to Us [at Judgement], he says [to his companion], "Oh, I wish there was between me and you the distance between the east and west - how wretched a companion." (43:39) And never will it benefit you that Day, when you have wronged, that you are [all] sharing in the punishment. (43:40) Then will you make the deaf hear, [O Muhammad], or guide the blind or he who is in clear error? (43:41) And whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon them. (43:42) Or whether [or not] We show you that which We have promised them, indeed, We are Perfect in Ability.
