And indeed We gave Musa (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)], and placed his brother Harun (Aaron) with him as a helper; 35 And We said, "Go both of you to the people who have denied Our signs." Then We destroyed them with [complete] destruction. 36 The nation of Noah, We drowned them when they belied their Messenger, and made of them a sign to the nation. For the harmdoers We have prepared a painful punishment 37 As also 'Ad and Thamud, and the Companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them. 38 And We illustrated examples to each one of them; and ruining them, annihilated them all. 39 They must have surely passed by the town on which We had rained the terrible rain of ruin. How could they not have seen it? Still they do not dread the Resurrection. 40 And when they see you, [O Muhammad], they take you not except in ridicule, [saying], "Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a messenger? 41 Had we not been steadfast he would almost have led us astray from our gods." On facing torment they will soon know who had really gone astray. 42 Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him? 43 Do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like the cattle; nay, even worse than the cattle. 44