And indeed We sent Nooh to his people that, “Indeed I am for you a clear Herald of Warning.” 25 That ye serve none, save Allah. Lo! I fear for you the retribution of a painful Day. 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 a clear proof from my Lord, and a Mercy (Prophethood, etc.) has come to me from Him, but that (Mercy) has been obscured from your sight. Shall we compel you to accept it (Islamic Monotheism) when you have a strong hatred for it? 28 And O my people, I ask not of you for it any wealth. My reward is not but from Allah. And I am not one to drive away those who have believed. Indeed, they will meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly. 29 And O my people, who would protect me from Allah if I drove them away? Then will you not be reminded? 30 And I say not unto you that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor that I know the Unseen; nor I say I am an angel. And I say not of those whom your eyes condemn that Allah shall not bestow on them good - Allah knoweth best that which is in their souls. Verily in that case I would be of the wrong-doers. 31 [But the great ones] said: "O Noah! Thou hast contended with us in argument, and hast [needlessly] prolonged our controversy: bring upon us, therefore, that with which thou dost threaten us, if thou art a man of truth!" 32 He said, “Allah will surely bring that upon you if He wills, and you will not be able to escape.” 33 If I want to give you good advice that will not profit you if Allah Himself has decided to let you go astray. He is your Lord, and to Him will you be returned.' 34 Or do they say: He has forged it? Say: If I have forged it, on me is my guilt, and I am clear of that of which you are guilty. 35