And indeed, [in times long past] We sent forth Noah unto his people, and he dwelt among them a thousand years bar fifty; and then the floods overwhelmed them while they were still lost in evildoing: 14 But We saved him and those who were with him in the Ark and made the event a sign for mankind. 15 And (We sent) Ibrahim, when he said to his people: Serve Allah and be careful of (your duty to) Him; this is best for you, if you did but know: 16 You worship only [lifeless] idols instead of God, and [thus] you give visible shape to a lie! Behold, those [things and beings] that you worship instead of God have it not in their power to provide sustenance for you: seek, then, all [your] sustenance from God, and worship Him [alone] and be grateful to Him: [for] unto Him you shall be brought back! 17 But if you deny, then many a people have denied before you. The duty of the apostle is to convey the message clearly." 18 Do they not see how God originates creation, then reproduces it? That surely is easy for God. 19 Say: “Go about the earth and see how He created for the first time, and then Allah will recreate life.” Surely, Allah has power over everything. 20 Punish whom He will, and have mercy on whom He please. And to Him will you be brought back in the end. 21 You are not able to frustrate Him either in the earth or in heaven; and you have not, apart from God, either protector or helper. 22