AND, INDEED, We sent forth Noah unto his people and he said: "O my people! Worship God alone: you have no deity other than Him. Will you not, then, become conscious of Him?" 23 But the notables among his people had refused to believe, and said: "This is none other than a mortal like yourselves who desires to attain superiority over you. Had Allah wanted (to send any Messengers) He would have sent down angels. We have heard nothing like this in the time of our forebears of old (that humans were sent as Messengers). 24 He is not but a man possessed with madness, so wait concerning him for a time." 25 Noah prayed, "Lord, help me; they have called me a liar". 26 So We inspired to him, "Construct the ship under Our observation, and Our inspiration, and when Our command comes and the oven overflows, put into the ship from each [creature] two mates and your family, except those for whom the decree [of destruction] has proceeded. And do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned. 27 "And as soon as thou and those who are with thee are settled in the ark, say: 'All praise is due to God, who has saved us from those evildoing folk!' 28 And say: My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for Thou art Best of all who bring to land. 29 In this story there is enough evidence (of the Truth); thus do We try (mankind) 30 Then We produced after them a generation of others. 31 Then We sent amongst them an apostle from amongst themselves, saying: worship Allah, for you there is no god but he; will ye then not fear Him? 32