AND, INDEED, We sent forth Noah unto his people and he said: "O my people! Worship God alone: you have no deity other than Him. Will you not, then, become conscious of Him?" 23 The chiefs of his people, who did not believe, said: "He is only a man like you. He wishes to acquire ascendancy over you. If God had willed He would have sent down angels. We never heard this from our elders. 24 He is nothing but a madman: so bear with him for a while." 25 Nuh said: my Lord! vindicate me, for they belie me. 26 Thereupon We inspired him thus: "Build, under Our eyes and according to Our inspiration, the ark [that shall save thee and those who follow thee]. And when Our judgment comes to pass, and waters gush forth in torrents over the face of the earth, place on board of this [ark] one pair of each [kind of animal] of either sex, as well as thy family - excepting those on whom sentence has already been passed; and do not appeal to Me [any more] in behalf of those who are bent on evildoing - for, behold, they are destined to be drowned! 27 When you and all your followers have settled in the Ark, say, "Praise be to God who has delivered us from a wicked people," 28 And say, 'My Lord, let me land at a blessed landing place, and You are the best to accommodate [us].' " 29 There are great Signs in this story; and surely We do put people to test. 30 After them We raised a new generation. 31 And we sent among them a messenger of their own, saying: Serve Allah, Ye have no other Allah save Him. Will ye not ward off (evil)? 32