[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 when their brother Hood said to them, 'Will you not be godfearing? 124 I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 125 “Therefore fear Allah and obey me.” 126 I do not ask for any payment for my preaching. I shall receive my reward from the Lord of the Universe. 127 "Will you, in your wanton folly, build [idolatrous] altars on every height, 128 and raise strong mansions as if you were to live forever? 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 So be fearful of God and follow me. 131 Fear Him who has given you all the things you know. 132 “He aided you with cattle and sons.” 133 and gardens, and springs: 134 Verily I fear for you the torment of a Mighty Day. 135 They said: It is the same to us whether you admonish or are not one of the admonishers 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 and we shall not be punished." 138 And they denied him, so We destroyed them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140