(Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister; 35 and We said, "Go you both unto the people who have given the lie to Our messages!" - and thereupon We broke those [sinners] to smithereens. 36 We drowned the people of Noah also when they rejected their messengers and We made them an example to all mankind. We have prepared a painful punishment for the wrongdoers, 37 As also 'Ad and Thamud, and the Companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them. 38 And to every one We gave examples and every one did We destroy with utter destruction. 39 And certainly they have (often) passed by the town on which was rained an evil rain; did they not then see it? Nay! they did not hope to be raised again. 40 Whenever they see you they only make a mockery of you -- "Is this the one God has sent as His Messenger? 41 Indeed, he would well-nigh have led us astray from our deities, had we not been [so] steadfastly attached to them!" When they behold the punishment, they shall realize who strayed furthest from the right path. 42 How can you be the guardian of those who have chosen their own desires as their Lord? 43 Do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like the cattle; nay, even worse than the cattle. 44