We have sent apostles before thee. Of some we have told thee and of some we have not told thee: but no apostle was able to bring a sign unless by the permission of God. But when God’s behest cometh, everything is decided with truth: and those perish who think it vain.
It is God who hath made for you the cattle, some to ride and some to eat,
(And ye have profit from them) and to attain by them the aims of your hearts, for on them and in ships are ye borne:
And He showeth you His signs: which then of the signs of God will ye deny?
Have they not journeyed in the earth, and seen what was the end of those who were before them? They were in number more than they, and mightier in strength, and in their footprints on the earth: but what they had earned availed them nothing;
And when their apostles came to them with manifestations, they exulted in what knowledge they had; but that which they had scoffed at encompassed them.
And when they beheld our might they said, “We believe in God alone, and we disbelieve in what we joined in worship with Him.”
And naught availed their faith, after they witnessed our might. Such the way of God which was reserved for his servants—and therein the unbelievers have lost.
(xl.)