[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 When their brother Hood said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 124 "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust: 125 so fear you God, and obey you me. 126 "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islamic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). 127 "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? 128 And seek ye out strongholds, that haply ye may last for ever? 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 So fear God, and obey me; 131 Fear Him who has bestowed on you what you know, 132 He has given you flocks and sons, 133 And orchards and springs. 134 I fear the punishment of a terrible day for you. 135 They replied, "It makes no difference to us whether you preach or do not preach, 136 this is nothing but the habit of the ancients, 137 And we shall not be doomed. 138 And so they gave him the lie: and thereupon We destroyed them. In this [story,] behold, there is a message [unto men,] even though most of them will not believe [in it]. 139 And indeed your Lord – only He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 140