(The nation of) Aad belied their Messengers. 123 When their brother Hud said to them, "Will you not fear Allah? 124 I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 125 So fear Allah and obey me. 126 And I ask of you no hire therefor: my hire is but with the Lord of the worlds. 127 Build ye on every high place a monument for vain delight? 128 "And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein for ever. 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 Rather keep your duty to Allah, and obey me. 131 "Yea, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that ye know. 132 “He aided you with cattle and sons.” 133 And gardens and springs. 134 Surely I fear for you the chastisement of a grievous day 135 They replied, "It makes no difference to us whether you preach or do not preach, 136 This is just a habit of antiquated people. 137 We are not going to be damned." 138 And they denied him, so We destroyed them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 139 And lo! thy Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 140