(Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister; 35 Then We said: go ye twain unto a people who have belied Our signs. Then We annihilated them an utter annihilation. 36 And the people of Nuh! when they belied the apostles We drowned them, and made them a sign unto mankind. And We have gotten ready unto the wrong-doers a torment afflictive. 37 Likewise were destroyed the `Ad and the Thamud and the people of the Rass, and many a generation in between. 38 And unto each! We propounded similitude thereunto; and each We ruined an utter ruin. 39 And indeed they have passed by the town [of Prophet Lout (Lot)] on which was rained the evil rain. Did they (disbelievers) not then see it (with their own eyes)? Nay! But they used not to expect for any resurrection. 40 Hence, whenever they consider thee, [O Muhammad,] they but make thee a target of their mockery, [saying:] "Is this the one whom God has sent as an apostle? 41 Had we not been steadfast he would almost have led us astray from our gods." On facing torment they will soon know who had really gone astray. 42 Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him? 43 Do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like the cattle; nay, even worse than the cattle. 44