(The tribe of) A’ad denied the Noble Messengers. 123 When their brother Hud said to them: Will you not guard (against evil)? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 So fear Allah and obey me. 126 And I do not ask you for it any payment. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds. 127 What, do you build on every prominence a sign, sporting, 128 And take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally? 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 Rather keep your duty to Allah, and obey me. 131 "Yea, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that ye know. 132 "He has aided you with cattle and children. 133 "And Gardens and Springs. 134 "Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day." 135 They replied, "It makes no difference to us whether you preach or do not preach, 136 This is but a fable of the men of old, 137 and we are not going to be chastised [for adhering to it]!" 138 And they denied him; therefor We destroyed them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 139 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140