The people of 'Ad accused the messengers of lies. 123 When their brother Hood said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 So fear God and listen to me. 126 For this I ask of you no wage, for my wage falls only on the Lord of the Worlds. 127 Build ye on every eminence a landmark in vanity? 128 And take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally? 129 And when you strike, you strike as tyrants. 130 So fear Allah, and obey me. 131 "Yea, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that ye know. 132 amply provided you with flocks, and children, 133 gardens and fountains. 134 I fear for you the chastisement of an Awesome Day." 135 They said, "Whether you preach to us or not, 136 This has been happening all along. 137 And we are not to be punished." 138 So they rejected him, and We destroyed them. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. 139 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140