۞ And to (the people of) Aad We sent their brother, Hood. He said: 'Worship Allah, my nation, for you have no god except He. Will you not then be cautious' 65 The leading men of his people who refused to acknowledge the truth, said, "We can see you are a foolish man, and we think you are lying." 66 He said: O my people! there is no folly in me, but I am an apostle of the Lord of the worlds. 67 I bring to you the messages of my Lord. I am your sincere friend. 68 Do you find it strange that a Message should come from your Lord, through one of your own men, to warn you? Remember how He made you successors of Noah's people, and increased you greatly in stature. Remember the favours of God, so that you may prosper." 69 They answered: "Have you come to say to us that we should worship only one God, abandoning those our ancestors had worshipped? If so, bring on us what you threaten us with, if what you say is true." 70 He answered: 'The punishment and wrath of your Lord has already fallen upon you. Would you dispute with me about names which you and your fathers have invented, and for which no authority has been sent down from Allah? Wait if you will, I am waiting with you' 71 We saved him and those who adhered to him. By Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our signs and did not believe. 72