We sent Noah to his nation. 'Worship Allah, my nation' he said, 'for you have no god except He. Will you not be cautious' 23 But the great ones among his people, who refused to acknowledge the truth, replied: "This [man] is nothing but a mortal like yourselves who wants to make himself superior to you! For, if God had willed [to convey a message unto us,] He would surely have sent down angels; [moreover,] we have never heard [anything like] this from our forebears of old! 24 (And some said): "He is only a man possessed: wait (and have patience) with him for a time." 25 Noah said: "My Lord! Come to my help at their accusation that I am lying." 26 So We asked him to build the ark under Our eyes and guidance, (and said): "When Our command is issued and the source of water boils over, put a pair of every species in it, and your family except those for whom Our sentence has been passed already; and do not speak to Me for those who are wicked: They will be drowned. 27 And when you have boarded the ship, you and those with you, then say, 'Praise to Allah who has saved us from the wrongdoing people.' 28 And say: O my Lord! cause me to disembark a blessed alighting, and Thou art the best to cause to alight. 29 Lo! herein verily are portents, for lo! We are ever putting (mankind) to the test. 30 AND AFTER those [people of old] We gave rise to new generations; 31 And We sent to them a Messenger from among themselves (saying): "Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His Punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?" 32