It is God who appointed for you the cattle, some of them to ride and of some you eat; 79 And you have (many other) benefits from them, and that you may reach by their means a desire that is in your breasts (i.e. carry your goods, loads, etc.), and on them and on ships you are carried. 80 And He shows you His signs; then which of God's signs do you reject? 81 Have they never journeyed through the land and seen what was the end of those who have gone before them? They were stronger than themselves in might and left firmer traces upon the earth; yet, whatsoever they earned did not help them. 82 They were far too content with their own knowledge (to pay attention to the Messengers) when Our Messengers came to them with illustrious evidence. They were encompassed by the torment for mocking Our guidance. 83 So that when they saw Our might, they said: "We believe in God the one and single, and reject those we associated (with Him)." -- 84 But their attaining to faith after they had beheld Our punishment could not possibly benefit them; such being the way of God that has always obtained for His creatures: and so, then and there, lost were they who had denied the truth. 85