We sent Noah to his nation. (He said:) 'I am a warner for you, and a bearer of glad tidings. 25 Do not worship anyone but God; for I fear the punishment of a dreadful day for you." 26 The chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: We see thee but a mortal like us, and we see not that any follow thee save the most abject among us, without reflection. We behold in you no merit above us - nay, we deem you liars. 27 He said, "O my people, tell me: if I have clear evidence from my Lord and He has favoured me with grace from Himself, which you have been unable to recognize, can we force it on you against your will? 28 "And O my people, no benefit do I ask of you for this [message]: my reward rests with none but God. And I shall not repulse [any of] those who have attained to faith. Verily, they [know that they] are destined to meet their Sustainer, whereas in you I see people without any awareness [of right and wrong]! 29 And, O my people! who will help me against Allah if I drive them away? Will you not then mind? 30 "I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet do I say, of those whom your eyes do despise that Allah will not grant them (all) that is good: Allah knoweth best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer." 31 They said: "O Noah, you have argued with us, and disputed at length; so bring that (retribution) you promise, if you speak the truth." 32 He said: "Only Allah will bring it (the punishment) on you, if He will, and then you will escape not. 33 for, my advice will not benefit you - much as I desire to give you good advice - if it be God's will that you shall remain lost in grievous error. He is your Sustainer, and unto Him you must return." 34 Do they say you have fabricated it? Tell them: "If I have fabricated it, then mine is the guilt; but I am clear of what you are guilty." 35