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For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraish,
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Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
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Striking them with stones of baked clay.
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And He sent against them Flights of Birds,
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Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
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Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?
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In columns outstretched.
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It shall be made into a vault over them,
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The which doth mount (Right) to the Hearts:
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(It is) the Fire of (the Wrath of) Allah kindled (to a blaze),
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And what will explain to thee That which Breaks to Pieces?
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By no means! He will be sure to be thrown into That which Breaks to Pieces,
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Thinking that his wealth would make him last for ever!
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Who pileth up wealth and layeth it by,
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Woe to every (kind of) scandal-monger and-backbiter,
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Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
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Verily Man is in loss,
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By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
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Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about the joy (ye indulged in!).
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Again, ye shall see it with certainty of sight!