[82] Do they not travel through the earth and see
what was the End of those before them? They were more numerous than
these and superior in strength and in the traces (they have left) in
the land: yet all that they accomplished was of no profit to them.
[83] For when their Messengers came to them with
Clear Signs, they exulted in such knowledge (and skill) as they had;
but that very (Wrath) at which they were wont to scoff hemmed them
in.
[84] But when they saw Our Punishment, they said:
"We believe in Allah, - the One Allah - and we reject the partners
we used to join with Him."
[85] But their professing the Faith when they
(actually) saw Our Punishment was not going to profit them. (Such
has been) Allah's way of dealing with His servants (from the most
ancient times). And even thus did the rejecters of Allah perish
(utterly)!