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 But We saved him and those with him in the ark, and made it a sign for the creatures of the world. 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 only worship, other than Allah, idols and invent falsehoods. Those whom you worship, other than Allah, have no power to give you provision. Therefore seek the provision of Allah, and worship Him. Give thanks to Him, to Him you shall return' 17 "And if ye reject (the Message), so did generations before you: and the duty of the messenger is only to preach publicly (and clearly)." 18 See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah. 19 Say: Travel in the earth and see how He makes the first creation, then Allah creates the latter creation; surely Allah has power over all things. 20 "He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants Mercy to whom He pleases, and towards Him are ye turned. 21 You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God." 22