We did indeed send Noah to his people and he lived among them a thousand years save fifty. Eventually the Flood overtook them while they were engaged in wrongdoing. 14 So We delivered him and the inmates of the ark, and made it a sign to the nations. 15 And (remember) Abraham. When he said to his people 'Worship Allah and fear Him. That would be best for you, if you but knew. 16 "For ye do worship idols besides Allah, and ye invent falsehood. The things that ye worship besides Allah have no power to give you sustenance: then seek ye sustenance from Allah, serve Him, and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your 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 (Muhammad), say to them, "Travel through the land and see how He has begun the creation and how He will invent the next life. God has power over all things. 20 He punisheth whom He will and showeth mercy unto whom He will, and unto Him ye will be turned. 21 You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God." 22