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 told them: "Go to the people who have rejected Our signs." Then We annihilated them completely. 36 And the people of Nuh! when they belied the apostles We drowned them, and made them a sign unto mankind. And We have gotten ready unto the wrong-doers a torment afflictive. 37 And Ad and Samood and the dwellers of the Rass and many generations between them. 38 To each one We set forth Parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation (for their sins). 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 Well nigh he had led us astray from our gods if we had not persevered towards them. Presently they shall know, when they behold the torment, who is more astray in respect of path. 42 Hast thou ever considered [the kind of man] who makes his own desires his deity? Couldst thou, then, [O Prophet,] be held 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