[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 When their fellowman Hud said to them, “Do you not fear?” 124 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 125 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 126 "And no reward whatever do I ask of you for it: my reward rests with none but the Sustainer of all the worlds. 127 "Will you, in your wanton folly, build [idolatrous] altars on every height, 128 And you make strong fortresses that perhaps you may 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 So be fearful of God and follow me. 131 Have fear of the One who has bestowed upon you all that you know. 132 amply provided you with flocks, and children, 133 "And gardens and springs. 134 "Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day." 135 They said, "It is all the same to us whether you advise or are not of the advisors. 136 "This is no other than a customary device of the ancients, 137 We will not be subjected to any chastisement." 138 And they denied him, so We destroyed them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 139 Yet surely your Lord is mighty and merciful. 140