And when Our communications are recited to them, they say: We have heard indeed; if we pleased we could say the like of it; this is nothing but the stories of the ancients.

And when Our communications are recited to him, he turns back proudly, as if he had not heard them, as though in his ears were a heaviness, therefore announce to him a painful chastisement.

And when Our clear communications are recited to them, those who disbelieve say to those who believe: Which of the two parties is best in abiding and best in assembly? / And how many of the generations have We destroyed before them who were better in respect of goods and outward appearance! / Say: As for him who remains in error, the Beneficent God will surely prolong his length of days, until they see what they were threatened with, either the punishment or the hour; then they shall know who is in more evil plight and weaker in forces / And Allah increases in guidance those who go aright; and ever-abiding good works are with your Lord best in recompense and best in yielding fruit.

When Our communications are recited to him, he says: Stories of those of yore.

And when Our clear communications are recited to them, their argument is no other than that they say: Bring our fathers (back) if you are truthful.

Were not My communications recited to you? But you used to reject them.