The Majestic Quran

out; there was no time for escape” (3). The chapter presents other objections of the disbelievers to the message of Muhammad r . The stories of previous communities who rejected prophets alternate with passages about the Makkans, facilitating comparison between them. The chapter ends as it began: “This is a reminder for all people, and after a while you will come to know its truth” (87–88). In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. 1 Sad . 20 D By the Quran full of reminders, 2 the disbelievers are haughty and hostile. 3 How many generations We destroyed before them? They all cried out for help , but there was no time to escape. 4 They are surprised that a warner came from them, they say, “This is a fraudulent magician. 5 He’s turned all the gods into one god? How strange!” 6 Their leaders hastily set out to tell people , “Walk away and stick to your gods. That’s what you must do, 7 we’ve not heard of this in any religion of recent times. This is a fabrication. 8 Did this reminder have to be sent down to him of all people?” So, they doubt My reminder? Then wait till they taste My punishment. 9 Do they hold the keys to the coffers of your Lord’s Compassion, the Almighty, the Giver? 10 Or do they have control over the Heavens, the Earth and whatever lies in between? So let them climb the rope s 21 . T ’ , 11 The armies of the confederates that oppose you will be defeated. 12 Before them, the people of Noah, Ad and Pharaoh of the columns , 22 they all denied their prophets , 13 as did Thamud, the people of Lot and the forest dwellers. Those were the confederates of their day ; 14 they denied the messengers and so My punishment was justified. 15 And the Makkans can expect a single Blast that will not be postponed. B D