(The nation of) Aad belied their Messengers. 123 When their brother Hud said unto them: Will ye not ward off (evil)? 124 I am for you a faithful Messenger, 125 so fear you God, and obey you me. 126 I ask no recompense of you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 127 “What! You build a structure on every height, to laugh at the passers-by?” 128 "And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein for ever. 129 And will you [always,] whenever you lay hand [on others,] lay hand [on them] cruelly, without any restraint? 130 So guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me 131 And fear Him Who hath aided you with that which ye know. 132 He has given you cattle, children, 133 gardens and fountains. 134 Lo! I fear for you the retribution of an awful day. 135 They replied: "It is all the same for us whether you admonish us or not. 136 This is naught but a custom of the ancients; 137 and we shall not be punished." 138 And they denied him; therefor We destroyed them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Surely your Lord is the Mighty One, the Merciful. 140