(The tribe of) A’ad denied the Noble Messengers. 123 When their fellowman Hud said to them, “Do you not fear?” 124 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 125 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 126 I ask no recompense of you for it. My reward is due from none but the Lord of all the worlds. 127 Do you build over each high place a sign to amuse yourselves! 128 And you make strong fortresses that perhaps you may 129 "And when ye exert your strong hand, do ye do it like men of absolute power? 130 So fear Allah, and obey me. 131 And be careful of (your duty to) Him Who has given you abundance of what you know. 132 He has given you cattle, children, 133 gardens and fountains. 134 I fear for you the chastisement of an Awesome Day." 135 They replied, "It makes no difference to us whether you preach or do not preach, 136 This is but a fable of the men of old, 137 We are not going to be damned." 138 So they belied him, so We destroyed them. Surely, in that there is a sign; yet most of them do not believe. 139 And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. 140