And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?" 23 The unbelieving assembly of his nation said: 'This is but a human like you, who desires to gain superiority over you. Had Allah willed, He could have sent down angels. We never heard of this among our ancient forefathers. 24 He is only a madman, so, as far as he is concerned wait for a while." 25 "O my Lord," prayed (Noah), "help me against them, for they accuse me of lies." 26 Thereupon We inspired him thus: "Build, under Our eyes and according to Our inspiration, the ark [that shall save thee and those who follow thee]. And when Our judgment comes to pass, and waters gush forth in torrents over the face of the earth, place on board of this [ark] one pair of each [kind of animal] of either sex, as well as thy family - excepting those on whom sentence has already been passed; and do not appeal to Me [any more] in behalf of those who are bent on evildoing - for, behold, they are destined to be drowned! 27 Then, when thou art seated in the Ark and those with thee, say, "Praise belongs to God, who has delivered us from the people of the evildoers." 28 And say thou, my Lord! cause me to land at a landing blest, and thou art the Best of these who bring to land. 29 Indeed in that are signs, and indeed, We are ever testing [Our servants]. 30 Then after them, We created another generation. 31 So We sent among them an apostle from among them, saying: Serve Allah, you have no god other than Him; will you not then guard (against evil)? 32