We sent Noah to his people who said, "My people, worship God for He is your only Lord. Will you then not have fear of Him?" 23 And the chiefs of those who disbelieved from among his people said: He is nothing but a mortal like yourselves who desires that he may have superiority over you, and if Allah had pleased, He could certainly have sent down angels. We have not heard of this among our fathers of yore: 24 He is only a man possessed; so wait and watch him for a time." 25 "O my Lord," prayed (Noah), "help me against them, for they accuse me of lies." 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 "And as soon as thou and those who are with thee are settled in the ark, say: 'All praise is due to God, who has saved us from those evildoing folk!' 28 And say thou, my Lord! cause me to land at a landing blest, and thou art the Best of these who bring to land. 29 Verily in this there are Signs (for men to understand); (thus) do We try (men). 30 Thereafter, after them, We produced another 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