۞ And unto (the tribe of) A'ad (We sent) their brother, Hud. He said: O my people! Serve Allah. Ye have no other Allah save Him. Will ye not ward off (evil)? 65 The leading men of his people who refused to acknowledge the truth, said, "We can see you are a foolish man, and we think you are lying." 66 He said: "O my people! I am no imbecile, but (I am) a messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds! 67 I bring to you the messages of my Lord. I am your sincere friend. 68 Does it seem strange to you that a reminder from your Lord should be sent to a man among you so that He may warn you? Recall when God appointed you as successors of the people of Noah and increased your power over other people. Give thanks to God for His blessings so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness." 69 They answered: "Hast thou come to us [with the demand] that we worship God alone, and give up all that our forefathers were wont to worship? Bring about, then, that [punishment] with which thou hast threatened us, if thou art a man of truth!" 70 Said [Hud]: "You are already beset by loath some evils and by your Sustainer's condemnation! Do you argue with me about the [empty] names which you have invented - you and your forefathers - for which God has bestowed no warrant from on high? Wait, then, [for what will happen:] verily, I shall wait with you!" 71 We saved him and all who were with him through Our Mercy and annihilated those who belied Our verses. They were not believers! 72