[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 Behold, their brother Hud said to them: "Will ye not fear (Allah)? 124 "Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 125 So keep your duty to Allah and obey me. 126 I do not ask for any payment for my preaching. I shall receive my reward from the Lord of the Universe. 127 "Will you, in your wanton folly, build [idolatrous] altars on every height, 128 And seek ye out strongholds, that haply ye may last for ever? 129 And when you lay hands (on men) you lay hands (like) tyrants; 130 So fear Allah, and obey me. 131 Fear Him who has given you all the things you know. 132 He has given you flocks and sons, 133 And gardens and watersprings. 134 for, verily, I fear lest suffering befall you on an awesome day!" 135 They replied, "It makes no difference to us whether you preach or do not preach, 136 "This is no other than a customary device of the ancients, 137 And we are not going to be tormented. 138 And they denied him, so We destroyed them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 139 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140