We sent Noah to his people, and he lived with them a thousand years minus fifty. Then they were caught by the deluge for they were evil. 14 but We saved him, together with all who were in the ark, which We then set up as a symbol [of Our grace] for all people [to remember]. 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 "For ye do worship idols besides Allah, and ye invent falsehood. The things that ye worship besides Allah have no power to give you sustenance: then seek ye sustenance from Allah, serve Him, and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your return. 17 If you reject the truth, other communities before you also rejected the truth. The messenger's responsibility is only to convey the message clearly." 18 Have they not seen how God begins the creation and then turns it back? This is not difficult at all for God. 19 Say: "Go all over the earth and behold how [wondrously] He has created [man] in the first instance: and thus, too, will God bring into being your second life for, verily, God has the power to will anything! 20 He punishes whom He will, and shows mercy to whom He will, and to Him you will be returned. 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