And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?" 23 The chiefs of his people, who did not believe, said: "He is only a man like you. He wishes to acquire ascendancy over you. If God had willed He would have sent down angels. We never heard this from our elders. 24 He is not but a man possessed with madness, so wait concerning him for a time." 25 [Nuh (Noah)] said: "O my Lord! Help me because they deny me." 26 Thereupon We inspired him thus: "Build, under Our eyes and according to Our inspiration, the ark [that shall save thee and those who follow thee]. And when Our judgment comes to pass, and waters gush forth in torrents over the face of the earth, place on board of this [ark] one pair of each [kind of animal] of either sex, as well as thy family - excepting those on whom sentence has already been passed; and do not appeal to Me [any more] in behalf of those who are bent on evildoing - for, behold, they are destined to be drowned! 27 When all of you settle in the Ark, say, "Only God Who has saved us from the unjust people deserves all praise". 28 "And say: 'O my Sustainer! Cause me to reach a destination blessed [by Thee] for Thou art the best to show man how to reach his [true] destination!'" 29 Most surely there are signs in this, and most surely We are ever trying (men). 30 Then, after them, We brought forth another generation; 31 and We sent to them a Messenger from themselves, saying: 'Worship Allah, for you have no god except He. Will you not be cautious' 32