And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?" 23 But the notables among his people had refused to believe, and said: "This is none other than a mortal like yourselves who desires to attain superiority over you. Had Allah wanted (to send any Messengers) He would have sent down angels. We have heard nothing like this in the time of our forebears of old (that humans were sent as Messengers). 24 (And some said): "He is only a man possessed: wait (and have patience) with him for a time." 25 [Noah] said, "My Lord, support me because they have denied me." 26 So We asked him to build the ark under Our eyes and guidance, (and said): "When Our command is issued and the source of water boils over, put a pair of every species in it, and your family except those for whom Our sentence has been passed already; and do not speak to Me for those who are wicked: They will be drowned. 27 And then when you and those accompanying you are firmly seated in the Ark, say: "Thanks be to Allah Who has delivered us from the wrong-doing people." 28 And say: "My Lord! Make my landing a blessed landing, for You are the Best of those Who can cause people to land in safety." 29 Lo! herein verily are portents, for lo! We are ever putting (mankind) to the test. 30 Then We produced after them another generation 31 And We sent among them a messenger from themselves, [saying], "Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?" 32