(The nation of) Aad belied their Messengers. 123 When their brother Hood said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 124 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 125 so fear you God, and obey you me. 126 And I do not ask you for it any payment. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds. 127 "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? 128 and do you take to you castles, haply to dwell forever? 129 And will you [always,] whenever you lay hand [on others,] lay hand [on them] cruelly, without any restraint? 130 Rather keep your duty to Allah, and obey me. 131 "And keep your duty to Him, fear Him Who has aided you with all (good things) that you know. 132 "Freely has He bestowed on you cattle and sons,- 133 gardens and fountains. 134 "Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day." 135 They said: "It is the same to us whether thou admonish us or be not among (our) admonishers! 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 We will not be subjected to any chastisement." 138 So they belied him, so We destroyed them. Surely, in that there is a sign; yet most of them do not believe. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140