(Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister; 35 Then We said: go ye twain unto a people who have belied Our signs. Then We annihilated them an utter annihilation. 36 The same was the case with the people of Noah when they charged the Messenger with imposture: We drowned them and made them a sign of warning for entire mankind, and We have prepared a painful chastisement for the unjust. 37 also to Aad and Thamood and the nation of ErRass and many generations in between; 38 Each (of them) We warned by examples, and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin. 39 And certainly they have (often) passed by the town on which was rained an evil rain; did they not then see it? Nay! they did not hope to be raised again. 40 And when they see you, [O Muhammad], they take you not except in ridicule, [saying], "Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a messenger? 41 Indeed, he would well-nigh have led us astray from our deities, had we not been [so] steadfastly attached to them!" When they behold the punishment, they shall realize who strayed furthest from the right path. 42 Seest thou such a one as taketh for his god his own passion (or impulse)? Couldst thou be a disposer of affairs for him? 43 Do you think most of them can hear or understand? They are like cattle. Indeed, they are even more astray. 44