We gave the Book to Moses and made his brother Aaron his Minister. 35 Then We said: go ye twain unto a people who have belied Our signs. Then We annihilated them an utter annihilation. 36 And the people of Nooh – when they denied the Noble Messengers, We drowned them and made them a sign for mankind; and We have kept prepared a painful punishment for the unjust. 37 Likewise were destroyed the `Ad and the Thamud and the people of the Rass, and many a generation in between. 38 To each one We set forth Parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation (for their sins). 39 And indeed they have visited the township upon which had rained a harmful rain; so were they not seeing it? In fact, they never expected to be raised again. 40 And when they see thee (O Muhammad) they treat thee only as a jest (saying): Is this he whom Allah sendeth as a messenger? 41 He had well-nigh led us astray from our gods had we not adhered to them patiently! And they will know, when they see the punishment, who is straying farther off from the path. 42 Did you see the one who chose his own desires as his God? So will you accept the responsibility of guarding him? 43 Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worst than cattle). 44