(The nation of) Aad belied their Messengers. 123 When their brother Hud said to them: "Will you not take heed? 124 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you; 125 so fear you God, and obey you 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 construct on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves, 128 And you make strong fortresses that perhaps you may 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 “Therefore fear Allah, and obey me.” 131 Fear Him who has given you all the things you know. 132 "He has aided you with cattle and children. 133 and with gardens and springs. 134 for, verily, I fear lest suffering befall you on an awesome day!" 135 They said: "It is the same to us whether you preach or be not of those who preach. 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 "And we are not the ones to receive Pains and Penalties!" 138 And so they gave him the lie: and thereupon We destroyed them. In this [story,] behold, there is a message [unto men,] even though most of them will not believe [in it]. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140