(Such were the circumstances) when We sent forth Noah to his people. (He said): 'I have been sent to you to warn you plainly 25 That ye serve none, save Allah. Lo! I fear for you the retribution of a painful Day. 26 But the chiefs of those who disbelieved from among his people said: We do not consider you but a mortal like ourselves, and we do not see any have followed you but those who are the meanest of us at first thought and we do not see in you any excellence over us; nay, we deem you liars. 27 He said, 'O my people, what think you? If I stand upon a clear sign from my Lord, and He has given me mercy from Him, and it has been obscured for you, shall we compel you to it while you are averse to it? 28 My people I do not ask any payment for what I preach to you. No one except God has to give me any reward. I do not drive away those who have faith (in my teaching); they will all receive mercy from their Lord. I know that you are ignorant people. 29 And, O my people! who will help me against Allah if I drive them away? Will you not then mind? 30 I do not say to you that I possess Allah's treasures, nor that I have access to the realm beyond the ken of sense-perception, nor do I claim to be an angel. Nor do I say regarding those whom you look upon with disdain that Allah will not bestow any good upon them. Allah knows best what is in their hearts. Were I to say so I would be one of the wrongdoers.' 31 They said, “O Nooh, you have disputed with us and disputed in the extreme, therefore bring upon us what you promise us, if you are truthful.” 32 He said: Only Allah will bring it upon you if He will, and ye can by no means escape. 33 My advice will be of no benefit to you if God wants to let you go astray. He is your Lord and to Him you will all return." 34 If they say, "He has invented it himself," say to them, "If I have indeed invented this myself, then may I be punished for my sin; I am innocent of the crimes that you commit." 35