THIS ACCOUNT of the [fate of those ancient] communities - some of them still remaining, and some [extinct like] a field mown-down - We convey unto thee [as a lesson for mankind]:

These are some of the stories of communities which We relate unto thee: of them some are standing, and some have been mown down (by the sickle of time).

That is (something) of the tidings of the townships (which were destroyed of old). We relate it unto thee (Muhammad). Some of them are standing and some (already) reaped.

This is an account of the towns which we relate to thee. Of them are some that stand and (others) mown down.

That is from the news of the cities, which We relate to you; of them, some are [still] standing and some are [as] a harvest [mowed down].