[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 Their brother Hud said to them, "Will you not fear God? 124 I am for you a faithful Messenger, 125 Fear Allah and obey me. 126 I seek of you no reward for this; my reward is with none but the Lord of the Universe. 127 You construct monuments on every hill in vain, 128 and make for yourselves mighty castles, [hoping] that you might become immortal? 129 And when you lay hands (on men) you lay hands (like) tyrants; 130 So fear you God, and obey you me; 131 Keep your duty toward Him Who hath aided you with (the good things) that ye know, 132 He has bestowed on you cattle, and sons, 133 And gardens and springs. 134 Lo! I fear for you the retribution of an awful 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 are not going to be damned." 138 So they gave him the lie, then We destroyed them. Most surely there is a sign in this, but most of them do not believe. 139 And verily thy Lord? He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140