(Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister; 35 (Then) We said: 'Go to the nation who have belied Our signs' And We utterly destroyed them. 36 We drowned the people of Noah also when they rejected their messengers and We made them an example to all mankind. We have prepared a painful punishment for the wrongdoers, 37 And (also) 'Ad and Thamud, and the dwellers of Ar-Rass, and many generations in between. 38 And for each We presented examples [as warnings], and each We destroyed with [total] destruction. 39 Surely they have come by the city that was rained on by an evil rain; what, have they not seen it? Nay, but they look for no upraising. 40 Hence, whenever they consider thee, [O Muhammad,] they but make thee a target of their mockery, [saying:] "Is this the one whom God has sent as an apostle? 41 Had we not been steadfast he would almost have led us astray from our gods." On facing torment they will soon know who had really gone astray. 42 How can you be the guardian of those who have chosen their own desires as their Lord? 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