We gave Moses the Book, and made his brother Aaron his minister, 35 and We said, "Go you both unto the people who have given the lie to Our messages!" - and thereupon We broke those [sinners] to smithereens. 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 Likewise were destroyed the `Ad and the Thamud and the people of the Rass, and many a generation in between. 38 To each of them We gave warnings and each of them We destroyed completely. 39 And indeed they have visited the township upon which had rained a harmful rain; so were they not seeing it? In fact, they never expected 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 Indeed, he would well-nigh have led us astray from our deities, had we not been [so] steadfastly attached to them!" When they behold the punishment, they shall realize who strayed furthest from the right path. 42 Have you seen him who has taken his own desire to be his god? Can you be a guardian over him? 43 Or dost thou think that most of them listen [to thy message] and use their reason? Nay, they are but like cattle - nay, they are even less conscious of the right way! 44