Some pagans who committed murders in great number and committed illegal sexual intercourse excessively, came to Muḥammad and said, "O Muḥammad ! Whatever you say and invite people to, is good: but we wish if you could inform us whether we can make an expiation for our (past evil) deeds." So the following Divine Verses were revealed: And those who invoke not any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh (V.25:68) And there was also revealed: " Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins) ! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh." (V.39:53) [6:334-O.B]