۞ And to Ad their brother Hood; he said, 'O my people, serve God! You have no god other than He; will you not be godfearing?' 65 Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, "Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars." 66 He replied, "My people, I am not a fool but a Messenger of the Lord of the Universe. 67 I bring to you the messages of my Lord. I am your sincere friend. 68 Marvel ye that an admonition from your Lord should come unto you upon a man from amongst you in order that he may warn you? Remember what time He made you successors after the people of Nuh, and increased you amply in stature. Remember the benefits of Allah, that haply ye may fare well. 69 They answered: "Have you come to say to us that we should worship only one God, abandoning those our ancestors had worshipped? If so, bring on us what you threaten us with, if what you say is true." 70 He replied, "You will certainly be afflicted by wickedness and the wrath of God. Do you dispute with me about the names of that which you and your fathers have invented? God has given no authority to those names. Wait for God's decree and I, too, am waiting with you." 71 We saved him and those who adhered to him. By Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our signs and did not believe. 72