[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 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 wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 127 Build ye on every eminence a landmark in vanity? 128 "And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein for ever. 129 And when you lay hands (on men) you lay hands (like) tyrants; 130 So fear God, and obey me; 131 "Yea, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that ye know. 132 He has given you abundance of cattle and children 133 And gardens and fountains; 134 "Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day." 135 They said, "Whether you preach to us or not, 136 That is nothing but a habit of the ancients, 137 And we are not to be punished." 138 And they denied him; therefor We destroyed them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Surely your Lord is the Mighty One, the Merciful. 140