He answered: "Dost thou dislike my gods, O Abraham? Indeed, if thou desist not, I shall most certainly cause thee to be stoned to death! Now begone from me for good!"

And they should not think - they who are bent on denying the truth - that Our giving them rein is good for them: We give them rein only to let them grow in sinfulness; and shameful suffering awaits them.*

for, behold, though I may give them rein for a while. My subtle scheme is exceedingly firm!

And, indeed, [even] before thy time have [God's] apostles been derided, and for a while I gave rein to those who were [thus] bent on denying the truth: but then I took them to task - and how awesome was My retribution!

and the dwellers of Madyan; and [so, too,] Moses was given the lie [by Pharaoh].* And [in every ease] I gave rein, for a while, to the deniers of the truth: but then I took them to task - and how awesome was My denial [of them,]!

And to how many a community that was im­mersed in evildoing have I given rein for a while! But then I took it to task: for with Me is all journeys' end!

And they say, “Fables of ancient times which he has caused to be written down, so that they might be read out to him at morn and evening!"*

VERILY, those who turn their backs [on this mes­sage] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and filled them with false hopes:

for, behold, though I may give them rein for a while, My subtle scheme is exceedingly firm!*