[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 When their brother Hud said to them: "Will you not take heed? 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 ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 127 "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? 128 and raise strong mansions as if you were to live forever? 129 And when ye seize, ye seize like unto tyrants. 130 "Now fear Allah, and obey me. 131 And be careful of (your duty to) Him Who has given you abundance of what you know. 132 Who has provided you with flocks and children 133 And orchards and springs. 134 'Indeed, I fear for you the chastisement of a dreadful day.' 135 They said, "It is all the same to us whether you advise or are not of the advisors. 136 This is but a custom of the ancients. 137 We are not going to be damned." 138 So they belied him, so We destroyed them. Surely, in that there is a sign; yet most of them do not believe. 139 And verily thy Lord? He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140