"This is an account of the towns which we relate to thee. Of them are some that stand and (others) mown down. And We wronged them not but they wronged themselves. And their gods whom they called upon besides Allah availed them naught when the decree of thy Lord came to pass. And they added to them naught but ruin. And such is the punishment of thy Lord, when He punishes the towns while they are iniquitous. Surely His punishment is painful, severe. Surely there is a sign in this for him who fears the chastisement of the Hereafter. That is a day on which people will be gathered together, and that is a day to be witnessed. And We delay it not but for an appointed term."