[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 When their brother Hud said to them: "Will you not take heed? 124 "Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 125 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey 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 "Will you, in your wanton folly, build [idolatrous] altars on every height, 128 “And prefer strong palaces, that perhaps you may live for ever?” 129 And when you strike, you strike as tyrants. 130 “Therefore fear Allah, and obey me.” 131 fear Him who has aided you with all that you know -- 132 Who has provided you with flocks and children 133 and gardens, and springs: 134 I fear for you the chastisement of an Awesome Day." 135 They said, 'Alike it is to us, whether thou admonishest, or art not one of the admonishers; 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 We will not be subjected to any chastisement." 138 And they denied him, so We destroyed them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140