We gave the Book to Moses and made his brother Aaron his Minister. 35 And We said: "Go you both to the people who have denied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)." Then We destroyed them with utter destruction. 36 And Nuh's (Noah) people, when they denied the Messengers We drowned them, and We made them as a sign for mankind. And We have prepared a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc). 37 Likewise were destroyed the `Ad and the Thamud and the people of the Rass, and many a generation in between. 38 And for each We presented examples [as warnings], and each We destroyed with [total] destruction. 39 And indeed they have passed by the township whereon was rained the fatal rain. Can it be that they have not seen it? Nay, but they hope for no resurrection. 40 And when they see thee (O Muhammad) they treat thee only as a jest (saying): Is this he whom Allah sendeth as a messenger? 41 Well nigh he had led us astray from our gods if we had not persevered towards them. Presently they shall know, when they behold the torment, who is more astray in respect of path. 42 How can you be the guardian of those who have chosen their own desires as their Lord? 43 Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are no better than cattle; in fact they are farther astray from the path. 44