[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 when their brother Hood said to them, 'Will you not be godfearing? 124 “I am indeed a trustworthy Noble Messenger of Allah to you.” 125 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me: 126 And I do not ask you any reward for it; surely my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds 127 Do you build over each high place a sign to amuse yourselves! 128 and erect castles hoping that you will live forever. 129 “And when you apprehend someone, you seize him mercilessly?” 130 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 131 And fear He who provided you with that which you know, 132 amply provided you with flocks, and children, 133 gardens and fountains. 134 "Verily, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day." 135 They said: it is equal unto us whether thou admonishest or art not of the admonishers. 136 This [religion of ours] is none other than that to which our forebears clung, 137 and we shall not be punished." 138 And they denied him; therefor We destroyed them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Surely, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 140