We sent Noah to his people and he lived among them for fifty short of a thousand years; then the deluge overtook them, for they were wrongdoers. 14 Then We delivered him and those in the ark, and made it a sign unto the worlds. 15 And Abraham, [too, was inspired by Us] when he said unto his people: "Worship God, and be conscious of Him: this is the best for you, if you but knew it! 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 If you belie me, other nations before you also belied. It is only for a Messenger to deliver the clear deliverance. 18 Have they not considered how Allah begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allah, is easy. 19 Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent." 20 He punishes whom He wills and has mercy upon whom He wills, and to Him you will be returned. 21 You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God." 22