The people of 'Ad accused the messengers of lies. 123 When their brother Hud said to them, "Will you not fear Allah? 124 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you; 125 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me: 126 I ask no recompense of you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 127 Do you build on every height a monument? Vain is it that you do: 128 “And prefer strong palaces, that perhaps you may live for ever?” 129 And when you lay hands (on men) you lay hands (like) tyrants; 130 So fear Allah, and obey me. 131 Fear Him who has bestowed on you what you know, 132 He has given you flocks and sons, 133 And gardens and watersprings. 134 Verily I fear for you the torment of a Mighty Day. 135 [But] they answered. "It is all one to us whether thou preachest [something new] or art not of those who [like to] preach. 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 and we shall not be punished." 138 And they denied him; therefor We destroyed them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Yet surely your Lord is mighty and merciful. 140