We gave Moses the Book and appointed his brother Aaron as his counsellor: 35 and We said, "Go you both unto the people who have given the lie to Our messages!" - and thereupon We broke those [sinners] to smithereens. 36 We had drowned the people of Noah when they had accused the apostles of lies, and turned them into an example for men. We have prepared a painful punishment for the wicked. 37 And (also) 'Ad and Thamud, and the dwellers of Ar-Rass, and many generations in between. 38 And for each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons, etc.), and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds). 39 They have surely passed by the village which was rained upon by evil rain (of stones); what, have they never seen it? No, they look for no resurrection. 40 When they see you they take you only in jest: "Is this the one whom God has sent as messenger? 41 Had we not been steadfast he would almost have led us astray from our gods." On facing torment they will soon know who had really gone astray. 42 Have you seen him who has taken his own desire to be his god? Can you be a guardian over him? 43 Or deemest thou that most of them hear or understand? They are but as the cattle; nay, they are further astray from the way. 44