[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 godfearing? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 So fear Allah and obey 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 “What! You build a structure on every height, to laugh at the passers-by?” 128 And do you take to yourselves underground reservoirs, in order to live for ever! 129 And when you strike, you strike as tyrants. 130 Rather keep your duty to Allah, and obey me. 131 Fear Him who has bestowed on you what you know, 132 succoured you with flocks and sons, 133 and gardens, and springs: 134 Verily I fear for you the torment of a Mighty Day. 135 They said, "It is all the same to us whether you advise or are not of the advisors. 136 this is nothing but the habit of the ancients, 137 and we shall not be punished." 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 most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140