We gave the Book to Moses and made his brother Aaron his Minister. 35 And We said, "Go both of you to the people who have denied Our signs." Then We destroyed them with [complete] destruction. 36 We had drowned the people of Noah when they had accused the apostles of lies, and turned them into an example for men. We have prepared a painful punishment for the wicked. 37 And (also) 'Ad and Thamud, and the dwellers of Ar-Rass, and many generations in between. 38 And for each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons, etc.), and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds). 39 And they have already come upon the town which was showered with a rain of evil. So have they not seen it? But they are not expecting resurrection. 40 Hence, whenever they consider thee, [O Muhammad,] they but make thee a target of their mockery, [saying:] "Is this the one whom God has sent as an apostle? 41 He had well-nigh led us astray from our gods had we not adhered to them patiently! And they will know, when they see the punishment, who is straying farther off from the path. 42 Hast thou observed him who hath taken as his god his own desire! wilt thou be over him a trustee? 43 Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are no better than cattle; in fact they are farther astray from the path. 44