And We sent Noah unto his folk (and he said): Lo! I am a plain warner unto you. 25 Do not worship anyone but God; for I fear the punishment of a dreadful day for you." 26 The chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: We see thee but a mortal like us, and we see not that any follow thee save the most abject among us, without reflection. We behold in you no merit above us - nay, we deem you liars. 27 He said: "O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord, and a Mercy (Prophethood, etc.) has come to me from Him, but that (Mercy) has been obscured from your sight. Shall we compel you to accept it (Islamic Monotheism) when you have a strong hatred for it? 28 "And O my people, no benefit do I ask of you for this [message]: my reward rests with none but God. And I shall not repulse [any of] those who have attained to faith. Verily, they [know that they] are destined to meet their Sustainer, whereas in you I see people without any awareness [of right and wrong]! 29 “And O my people! Who would rescue me from Allah if I repel them? So do you not think?” 30 "And I do not say unto you, 'God's treasures are with me'; nor [do I say,] 'I know the reality which is beyond the reach of human perception'; nor do I say, 'Behold, I am an angel'; nor do I say of those whom your eyes hold in contempt, 'Never will God grant them any good' - for God is fully aware of what is in their hearts. [Were I to speak thus,] verily, I would indeed be among the evildoers." 31 They said: "O Noah, you have argued with us, and disputed at length; so bring that (retribution) you promise, if you speak the truth." 32 He replied: "Only God will bring it on you if He please, and you cannot prevail against Him. 33 “And my advice will not benefit you if I wish you good, when Allah wills to keep you astray; He is your Lord and to Him you will return.” 34 Or do they say, "He has forged it"? Say: "If I had forged it, on me were my sin! and I am free of the sins of which ye are guilty! 35