M. H. Shakir, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation; Foot-notes by M. H. Shakir (1974)

38. And they say: When will this threat come to pass if you are truthful?

39. Had those who disbelieve but known (of the time) when they shall not be able to ward off the fire from their faces nor from their backs, nor shall they be helped.

40. Nay, it shall come on them all of a sudden and cause them to become confounded, so they shall not have the power to avert it, nor shall they be respited.

41. And certainly apostles before you were scoffed at, then there befell those of them who scoffed that at which they had scoffed.

42. Say: Who guards you by night and by day from the Beneficent God? Nay, they turn aside at the mention of their Lord.

43. Or, have they gods who can defend them against Us? They shall not be able to assist themselves, nor shall they be defended from Us.

44. Nay, We gave provision to these and their fathers until