And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?" 23 But the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said, "This is not but a man like yourselves who wishes to take precedence over you; and if Allah had willed [to send a messenger], He would have sent down angels. We have not heard of this among our forefathers. 24 He is nothing else except a man who is mad, so watch him for awhile. 25 "O my Lord," prayed (Noah), "help me against them, for they accuse me of lies." 26 So We inspired to him, "Construct the ship under Our observation, and Our inspiration, and when Our command comes and the oven overflows, put into the ship from each [creature] two mates and your family, except those for whom the decree [of destruction] has proceeded. And do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned. 27 "And as soon as thou and those who are with thee are settled in the ark, say: 'All praise is due to God, who has saved us from those evildoing folk!' 28 And say: "My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for You are the Best of those who bring to land." 29 Surely there are clear signs in that. In this way We put people to the test. 30 Then We produced after them a generation of others. 31 And We sent among them a messenger from themselves, [saying], "Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?" 32