(The nation of) Aad belied their Messengers. 123 Their brother Hud said to them, "Will you not fear God? 124 "Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 125 be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me! 126 "And no reward whatever do I ask of you for it: my reward rests with none but the Sustainer of all the worlds. 127 "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them? 128 and erect castles hoping that you will live forever. 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 131 Fear Him who has given you all the things you know. 132 Hath aided you with cattle and sons. 133 And gardens and springs. 134 I fear for you the chastisement of an Awesome Day." 135 [But] they answered. "It is all one to us whether thou preachest [something new] or art not of those who [like to] preach. 136 This is just a habit of antiquated people. 137 "And we are not going to be punished." 138 And so they gave him the lie: and thereupon We destroyed them. In this [story,] behold, there is a message [unto men,] even though most of them will not believe [in it]. 139 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140