And assuredly We sent Nuh unto his people. Then he tarried among them for a thousand years, save fifty years; and then deluge overtook them, while they were wrong-doers. 14 So We delivered him and the inmates of the ark, and made it a sign to the nations. 15 We sent Abraham and he said to his people: “Serve Allah and fear Him. This is better for you if you only knew. 16 You only worship, other than Allah, idols and invent falsehoods. Those whom you worship, other than Allah, have no power to give you provision. Therefore seek the provision of Allah, and worship Him. Give thanks to Him, to Him you shall return' 17 But if you deny, then many a people have denied before you. The duty of the apostle is to convey the message clearly." 18 Are then they [who deny the truth] not aware of how God creates [life] in the first instance, and then brings it forth anew? This, verily, is easy for God! 19 Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent." 20 He punishes whomever He wills and has mercy upon whomever He wills; and towards Him only you are to return. 21 You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God." 22