(The nation of) Aad belied their Messengers. 123 when their brother Hood said to them, 'Will you not be godfearing? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 "So fear Allah and obey me. 126 And I ask of you no hire therefor: my hire is but with the Lord of the worlds. 127 What, you build a monument on every hill merely for fun 128 "And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein for ever. 129 And will you [always,] whenever you lay hand [on others,] lay hand [on them] cruelly, without any restraint? 130 Have fear of God and obey me. 131 Keep your duty toward Him Who hath aided you with (the good things) that ye know, 132 He has given you cattle, children, 133 and with gardens and springs. 134 Verily I fear for you the torment of a Mighty Day. 135 They replied: 'It is the same to us whether you admonish or whether you are not one of the admonishers. 136 This is but a fable of the men of old, 137 And we are not to be punished." 138 So they belied him, so We destroyed them. Surely, in that there is a sign; yet most of them do not believe. 139 Surely your Lord is the Mighty One, the Merciful. 140