AND, INDEED, [long before Muhammad] We vouchsafed revelation unto Moses, and appointed his brother Aaron to help him to bear his burden; 35 We told them, "Both of you go to the people who have rejected Our revelations." We completely destroyed these unbelievers. 36 And the people of Nuh, when they rejected the apostles, We drowned them, and made them a sign for men, and We have prepared a painful punishment for the unjust; 37 And Ad and Samood and the dwellers of the Rass and many generations between them. 38 We gave guidance and drove each to destruction. 39 Surely they have come by the city that was rained on by an evil rain; what, have they not seen it? Nay, but they look for no upraising. 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 Have you seen him who takes his low desires for his god? Will you then be a protector over him? 43 Do you think most of them can hear or understand? They are like cattle. Indeed, they are even more astray. 44