We sent Noah to his people and he lived among them for fifty short of a thousand years; then the deluge overtook them, for they were wrongdoers. 14 Then We delivered him and those in the ark, and made it a sign unto the worlds. 15 And Abraham, [too, was inspired by Us] when he said unto his people: "Worship God, and be conscious of Him: this is the best for you, if you but knew it! 16 You worship idols besides God and you create falsehood. Whatever you worship besides Him cannot provide you with anything for your sustenance. Seek your sustenance from the bounties of God. Worship Him. Give Him thanks. To Him you will all return." 17 And if ye belie me, then communities before you have belied: and upon the apostle is naught but a preaching manifest. 18 Have they not considered how Allah begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allah, is easy. 19 Say: "Go all over the earth and behold how [wondrously] He has created [man] in the first instance: and thus, too, will God bring into being your second life for, verily, God has the power to will anything! 20 He chastises whom He will and forgives whom He will. To Him all of you will be sent back. 21 You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God." 22