[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 When their fellowman Hud said to them, “Do you not fear?” 124 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you; 125 so fear you God, and obey you me. 126 I ask of you no wage for this; my wage falls only upon the Lord of all Being. 127 What, you build a monument on every hill merely for fun 128 “And prefer strong palaces, that perhaps you may live for ever?” 129 And will you [always,] whenever you lay hand [on others,] lay hand [on them] cruelly, without any restraint? 130 So fear Allah, and obey me. 131 and fear Him who has succoured you with what you know, 132 amply provided you with flocks, and children, 133 And gardens and springs. 134 for, verily, I fear lest suffering befall you on an awesome day!" 135 They said: It is all one to us whether thou preachest or art not of those who preach; 136 this is nothing but the habit of the ancients, 137 “And we will not be punished.” 138 And they belied him; so We destroyed them. Verily herein is a sign, yet most of them are not believers. 139 Surely, your Lord is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 140