We gave Moses the Book and appointed his brother Aaron as his counsellor: 35 We told them, "Both of you go to the people who have rejected Our revelations." We completely destroyed these unbelievers. 36 The same was the case with the people of Noah when they charged the Messenger with imposture: We drowned them and made them a sign of warning for entire mankind, and We have prepared a painful chastisement for the unjust. 37 Likewise were destroyed the `Ad and the Thamud and the people of the Rass, and many a generation in between. 38 We gave guidance and drove each to destruction. 39 And they [who now deny Our messages] must surely have come across that town which was rained upon by a rain of evil: have they, then, never beheld it [with their minds eye]? But nay, they would not believe in resurrection! 40 Whenever they see you, they mock you (saying): 'Is this whom Allah has sent as a Messenger? 41 He would have surely turned us away from our gods if we had not adhered to them." They will know soon who is farther away from the path when they see the punishment! 42 Seest thou such a one as taketh for his god his own passion (or impulse)? Couldst thou be a disposer of affairs for him? 43 Do you think most of them can hear or understand? They are like cattle. Indeed, they are even more astray. 44