'Aad denied the messengers 123 When their brother Hud said unto them: Will ye not ward off (evil)? 124 Verily I am unto you an apostle trusted. 125 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 126 And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 127 "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? 128 and erect castles hoping that you will live forever. 129 and when you strike you strike like tyrants? 130 "Now fear Allah, and obey me. 131 Keep your duty toward Him Who hath aided you with (the good things) that ye know, 132 succoured you with flocks and sons, 133 and gardens, and springs -- 134 indeed, I fear for you the torment of an awful day." 135 They said, “It is the same for us, whether you advise us or not be of the preachers.” 136 This is naught but a custom of the ancients; 137 "And we are not going to be punished." 138 And they denied him; therefor We destroyed them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Yet surely your Lord is mighty and merciful. 140