(Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister; 35 and We said, "Go you both unto the people who have given the lie to Our messages!" - and thereupon We broke those [sinners] to smithereens. 36 The nation of Noah, We drowned them when they belied their Messenger, and made of them a sign to the nation. For the harmdoers We have prepared a painful punishment 37 also to Aad and Thamood and the nation of ErRass and many generations in between; 38 And to every one We gave examples and every one did We destroy with utter destruction. 39 Surely they have come by the city that was rained on by an evil rain; what, have they not seen it? Nay, but they look for no upraising. 40 Whenever they see you, they mock you (saying): 'Is this whom Allah has sent as a Messenger? 41 Indeed, he would well-nigh have led us astray from our deities, had we not been [so] steadfastly attached to them!" When they behold the punishment, they shall realize who strayed furthest from the right path. 42 Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him? 43 Do you think most of them can hear or understand? They are like cattle. Indeed, they are even more astray. 44