(The tribe of) A'ad denied the messengers (of Allah). 123 When their brother Hood said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 124 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 125 fear God, then, and obey me. 126 "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds. 127 Build ye on every high place a monument for vain delight? 128 "And do ye get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein (for ever)? 129 and when you strike you strike like tyrants? 130 "Be, then, conscious of God and pay heed unto me: 131 Fear Him who has bestowed on you what you know, 132 He has given you abundance of cattle and children 133 and gardens, and springs -- 134 'Indeed, I fear for you the chastisement of a dreadful day.' 135 [But] they answered. "It is all one to us whether thou preachest [something new] or art not of those who [like to] preach. 136 your preaching is nothing but ancient legends and we shall not face any torment". 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 verily thy Lord? He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140