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56 THE TERROR (49 – 72)
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Say: ‘The ancients, and the later folk shall be gathered to the appointed time of a known day. 50Then you erring ones, you that cried lies, you shall eat of a tree called Zakkoum, and you shall fill therewith your bellies and drink on top of that boiling water 55lapping it down like thirsty camels.’ This shall be their hospitality on the Day of Doom.
We created you; therefore why will you not believe?
Have you considered the seed you spill? Do you yourselves create it, or are We the Creators?
60We have decreed among you Death; We shall not be outstripped; that We may exchange the likes of you, and make you to grow again in a fashion you know not. You have known the first growth; so why will you not remember?
Have you considered the soil you till? Do you yourselves sow it, or are We the Sowers? 65Did We will, We would make it broken orts, and you would remain bitterly jesting— ‘We are debt-loaded; nay, we have been robbed!’
70Have you considered the water you drink? Did you send it down from the clouds, or did We send it? Did We will, We would make it bitter; so why are you not thankful?
Have you considered the fire you kindle? Did you make its timber to grow, or did We make it? We Ourselves made it for a reminder, and a boon to the desert-dwellers.
