We gave Moses the Book and appointed his brother Aaron as his counsellor: 35 and We said, "Go you both unto the people who have given the lie to Our messages!" - and thereupon We broke those [sinners] to smithereens. 36 And the people of Noah, when they cried lies to the Messengers, We drowned them, and made them to be a sign to mankind; and We have prepared for the evildoers a painful chastisement. 37 also to Aad and Thamood and the nation of ErRass and many generations in between; 38 To each one We set forth Parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation (for their sins). 39 And they [who now deny Our messages] must surely have come across that town which was rained upon by a rain of evil: have they, then, never beheld it [with their minds eye]? But nay, they would not believe in resurrection! 40 Whenever they see you they only make a mockery of you -- "Is this the one God has sent as His Messenger? 41 Wellnigh he had led us astray from our gods, but that we kept steadfast to them.' Assuredly they shall know, when they see the chastisement, who is further astray from the way. 42 Hast thou observed him who hath taken as his god his own desire! wilt thou be over him a trustee? 43 Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worst than cattle). 44