AND, INDEED, [long before Muhammad] We vouchsafed revelation unto Moses, and appointed his brother Aaron to help him to bear his burden; 35 and We said, 'Go to the people who have cried lies to Our signs'; then We destroyed them utterly. 36 And [think of] the people of Noah: when they gave the lie to [one of] the apostles, We caused them to drown, and made them a symbol for all mankind: for, grievous suffering have We readied for all who [knowingly] do wrong! 37 And the 'Aad and the Thamud and the dwellers of the Rass and many generations in-between. 38 And for each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons, etc.), and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds). 39 And indeed they have passed by the town [of Prophet Lout (Lot)] on which was rained the evil rain. Did they (disbelievers) not then see it (with their own eyes)? Nay! But they used not to expect for any resurrection. 40 When they see you they take you only in jest: "Is this the one whom God has sent as messenger? 41 He would have led us far away from our gods if we had not been staunch to them. They will know, when they behold the doom, who is more astray as to the road. 42 Did you see the one who chose his own desires as his God? So will you accept the responsibility of guarding him? 43 Or dost thou think that most of them listen [to thy message] and use their reason? Nay, they are but like cattle - nay, they are even less conscious of the right way! 44