The people of 'Ad accused the messengers of lies. 123 when their brother Hud said unto them: "Will you not be conscious of God? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me! 126 And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 127 Do you build on every height a monument? Vain is it that you do: 128 and erect huge palaces as though you will live for ever, 129 And when you lay hands (on men) you lay hands (like) tyrants; 130 So fear Allah, and obey me. 131 fear Him who has aided you with all that you know -- 132 succoured you with flocks and sons, 133 gardens and fountains. 134 I fear for you the chastisement of an Awesome Day." 135 [But] they answered. "It is all one to us whether thou preachest [something new] or art not of those who [like to] preach. 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 and we are not going to be chastised [for adhering to it]!" 138 So they cried him lies; then We destroyed them. Surely in that is a sign, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Surely your Lord is the Mighty One, the Merciful. 140