(Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as 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 And the people of Noah - when they denied the messengers, We drowned them, and We made them for mankind a sign. And We have prepared for the wrongdoers a painful punishment. 37 also to Aad and Thamood and the nation of ErRass and many generations in between; 38 And unto each! We propounded similitude thereunto; and each We ruined an utter ruin. 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 Whenever they see you, they mock you (saying): 'Is this whom Allah has sent as a Messenger? 41 Well nigh he had led us astray from our gods if we had not persevered towards them. Presently they shall know, when they behold the torment, who is more astray in respect of path. 42 Did you see the one who chose his own desires as his God? So will you accept the responsibility of guarding him? 43 Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worst than cattle). 44