We sent Noah to his nation. (He said:) 'I am a warner for you, and a bearer of glad tidings. 25 That you shall not serve any but Allah, surely I fear for you the punishment of a painful day. 26 The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: "We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they (too) followed you without thinking. And we do not see in you any merit above us, in fact we think you are liars." 27 He said, 'O my people, what think you? If I stand upon a clear sign from my Lord, and He has given me mercy from Him, and it has been obscured for you, shall we compel you to it while you are averse to it? 28 My people! I seek no recompense from you. My recompense is only with Allah. Nor will I drive away those who believe. They are destined to meet their Lord. But I find you to be an ignorant people. 29 O my people, who would help me against God, if I drive you away? 30 "And I do not say unto you, 'God's treasures are with me'; nor [do I say,] 'I know the reality which is beyond the reach of human perception'; nor do I say, 'Behold, I am an angel'; nor do I say of those whom your eyes hold in contempt, 'Never will God grant them any good' - for God is fully aware of what is in their hearts. [Were I to speak thus,] verily, I would indeed be among the evildoers." 31 They said: "O Noah, you have argued with us, and disputed at length; so bring that (retribution) you promise, if you speak the truth." 32 He said, "It is God who will bring it down upon you, if He wishes, and you will not be able to escape. 33 “And my advice will not benefit you if I wish you good, when Allah wills to keep you astray; He is your Lord and to Him you will return.” 34 Or say they (again): He hath invented it? Say: If I have invented it, upon me be my crimes, but I am innocent of (all) that ye commit. 35