(The tribe of) A'ad denied the messengers (of Allah). 123 when their brother Hood said to them, 'Will you not be godfearing? 124 Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 125 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me: 126 And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 127 "Will you, in your wanton folly, build [idolatrous] altars on every height, 128 “And prefer strong palaces, that perhaps you may live for ever?” 129 And when ye seize, ye seize like unto tyrants. 130 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 131 Keep your duty toward Him Who hath aided you with (the good things) that ye know, 132 "Freely has He bestowed on you cattle and sons,- 133 "And gardens and springs. 134 "Verily, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day." 135 They said, 'Alike it is to us, whether thou admonishest, or art not one of the admonishers; 136 "This is no other than a customary device of the ancients, 137 "And we are not going to be punished." 138 So they cried him lies; then We destroyed them. Surely in that is a sign, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Surely your Lord is the Mighty One, the Merciful. 140