It is God who appointed for you the cattle, some of them to ride and of some you eat; 79 And there are advantages for you in them, and that you may attain thereon a want which is in your breasts, and upon them and upon the ships you are borne. 80 And He shows you His signs. So which of the signs of Allah do you deny? 81 Have they not then journeyed in the land and seen how was the end of those before them? They were more (in numbers) than these and greater in strength and in fortifications in the land, but what they earned did not avail them. 82 They were far too content with their own knowledge (to pay attention to the Messengers) when Our Messengers came to them with illustrious evidence. They were encompassed by the torment for mocking Our guidance. 83 But when they saw Our punishment, they said: We believe in Allah alone and we deny what we used to associate with Him. 84 But their belief when they saw Our might did not profit them -- the wont of God, as in the past, touching His servants; then the unbelievers shall be lost. 85