۞ And to (the people of) Aad We sent their brother, Hood. He said: 'Worship Allah, my nation, for you have no god except He. Will you not then be cautious' 65 The chiefs of his people who were infidels replied: "We find you full of folly, and a liar to boot." 66 He said, "My people, I am by no means a fool, but rather am a messenger from the Lord of the Universe, 67 I deliver to you the messages of my Lord and I am a faithful adviser to you: 68 Does it seem strange to you that a reminder from your Lord should be sent to a man among you so that He may warn you? Recall when God appointed you as successors of the people of Noah and increased your power over other people. Give thanks to God for His blessings so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness." 69 They said: "Comest thou to us, that we may worship Allah alone, and give up the cult of our fathers? bring us what thou threatenest us with, if so be that thou tellest the truth!" 70 He replied, "You will certainly be afflicted by wickedness and the wrath of God. Do you dispute with me about the names of that which you and your fathers have invented? God has given no authority to those names. Wait for God's decree and I, too, am waiting with you." 71 Then We delivered him and those with him by a mercy from Us, and We utterly cut off those who belied Our signs, and would not be believers. 72