We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin. 14 Then We rescued Noah together with the people in the Ark and made it (that is, the Ark) a lesson for all people. 15 And (remember) Abraham. When he said to his people 'Worship Allah and fear Him. That would be best for you, if you but knew. 16 You worship idols in place of God and invent lies. Surely those you worship other than God have no power over your means of livelihood. So seek your sustenance from God, and worship Him and give Him thanks. To Him will you be brought back in the end. 17 "And if you give [me] the lie - well, [other] communities have given the lie [to God's prophets] before your time: but no more is an apostle bound to do than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to him]." 18 Do they not see how God originates creation, then reverts it back? This is indeed how inevitably the law of God works; 19 Say: "Go all over the earth and behold how [wondrously] He has created [man] in the first instance: and thus, too, will God bring into being your second life for, verily, God has the power to will anything! 20 He punishes whom He will, and shows mercy to whom He will, and to Him you will be returned. 21 You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God." 22