We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin. 14 But We saved him and the companions of the Ark, and We made the (Ark) a Sign for all peoples! 15 And (We sent) Ibrahim, when he said to his people: Serve Allah and be careful of (your duty to) Him; this is best for you, if you did but know: 16 You worship only [lifeless] idols instead of God, and [thus] you give visible shape to a lie! Behold, those [things and beings] that you worship instead of God have it not in their power to provide sustenance for you: seek, then, all [your] sustenance from God, and worship Him [alone] and be grateful to Him: [for] unto Him you shall be brought back! 17 "And if ye reject (the Message), so did generations before you: and the duty of the messenger is only to preach publicly (and clearly)." 18 Are then they [who deny the truth] not aware of how God creates [life] in the first instance, and then brings it forth anew? This, verily, is easy for God! 19 Say: Travel in the earth and see how He makes the first creation, then Allah creates the latter creation; surely Allah has power over all things. 20 He punishes whom He will and shows mercy to whom He pleases. And to Him you shall be returned. 21 "Not on earth nor in heaven will ye be able (fleeing) to frustrate (his Plan), nor have ye, besides Allah, any protector or helper." 22