We gave Moses the Book and appointed his brother Aaron as his counsellor: 35 Then We said: go ye twain unto a people who have belied Our signs. Then We annihilated them an utter annihilation. 36 We had drowned the people of Noah when they had accused the apostles of lies, and turned them into an example for men. We have prepared a painful punishment for the wicked. 37 And Ad and Samood and the dwellers of the Rass and many generations between them. 38 And unto each! We propounded similitude thereunto; and each We ruined an utter ruin. 39 And certainly they have (often) passed by the town on which was rained an evil rain; did they not then see it? Nay! they did not hope to be raised again. 40 And when they behold thee, they hold thee up for mockery: is this the one whom Allah hath sent as an apostle 41 He had well-nigh led us astray from our gods had we not adhered to them patiently! And they will know, when they see the punishment, who is straying farther off from the path. 42 Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him? 43 Or deemest thou that most of them hear or understand? They are but as the cattle; nay, they are further astray from the way. 44