AND, INDEED, [long before Muhammad] We vouchsafed revelation unto Moses, and appointed his brother Aaron to help him to bear his burden; 35 Then We said, "Go together to the people who have denied Our signs." We utterly destroyed them! 36 And [think of] the people of Noah: when they gave the lie to [one of] the apostles, We caused them to drown, and made them a symbol for all mankind: for, grievous suffering have We readied for all who [knowingly] do wrong! 37 And [We destroyed] 'Aad and Thamud and the companions of the well and many generations between them. 38 And to every one We gave examples and every one did We destroy with utter destruction. 39 And certainly they have (often) passed by the town on which was rained an evil rain; did they not then see it? Nay! they did not hope to be raised again. 40 Hence, whenever they consider thee, [O Muhammad,] they but make thee a target of their mockery, [saying:] "Is this the one whom God has sent as an apostle? 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 Hast thou seen him who has taken his caprice to be his god? Wilt thou be a guardian over them? 43 Or deemest thou that most of them hear or understand? They are but as the cattle - nay, but they are farther astray? 44