The 'Ad (people) rejected the messengers. 123 When their brother Hud said to them: "Will you not take heed? 124 "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust: 125 So fear God and listen to me. 126 I ask of you no wage for this; my wage falls only upon the Lord of all Being. 127 "Will you, in your wanton folly, build [idolatrous] altars on every height, 128 And you make strong fortresses that perhaps you may 129 and when you strike you strike like tyrants? 130 So be fearful of God and follow me. 131 "Yea, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that ye know. 132 He has given you abundance of cattle and children 133 gardens, and springs. 134 'Indeed, I fear for you the chastisement of a dreadful day.' 135 They replied, "It makes no difference to us whether you preach or do not preach, 136 this is nothing but the habit of the ancients, 137 and we are not going to be chastised [for adhering to it]!" 138 Eventually they gave the lie to him and We destroyed them. Surely there is a Sign in this, but most of them would not believe. 139 Yet surely your Lord is mighty and merciful. 140