[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 When their brother Hud said unto them: fear ye not? 124 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 125 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 126 I ask no recompense of you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 127 You construct monuments on every hill in vain, 128 and erect castles hoping that you will live forever. 129 And will you [always,] whenever you lay hand [on others,] lay hand [on them] cruelly, without any restraint? 130 So fear God, and obey me; 131 Keep your duty toward Him Who hath aided you with (the good things) that ye know, 132 Hath aided you with cattle and sons. 133 and with gardens and springs. 134 Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a terrible day." 135 They said: It is all one to us whether thou preachest or art not of those who preach; 136 That is nothing but a habit of the ancients, 137 They rejected him and We destroyed them. 138 Then they accused him of lies; so We annihilated them. Verily there is a sign in this, but most of them do not believe. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140