Alif. Lam. Mim. The Romans have been overcome in the neighboring land,1 and within a few years after their defeat, they shall be victorious. Allah's is the authority before as well as afterwards.2 And it will be the day when the believers will rejoice in the victory granted by Allah.3 Allah helps whomsoever He wills: He is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful. This is Allah's promise: Allah never breaks His promise; but most people do not know. The people only know the outward aspect of the worldly life, and of the Hereafter they are heedless.4 Have they never reflected in their own selves?5 Allah has created the earth and the heavens and all that lies between them, with the truth, and only for an appointed term;6 but most people disbelieve in the meeting with their Lord.7 And have they never traveled in the earth that they could see the end of those who have gone before them?8 They were mightier than these in strength: they tilled the land9 and built more on it than these people have.10 Their Messengers came to them with clear Signs.11 then it was not Allah Who was unjust to them, but it was they who were being unjust to themselves.12 At last, evil was the end of those who had committed' evil because they had denied the Revelations of Allah and scoffed at them.