[AND the tribe of] Ad gave the lie to [one of God's] message-bearers 123 when their brother Hud said unto them: "Will you not be conscious of God? 124 I am for you a faithful Messenger, 125 So fear Allah and obey me. 126 "And no reward whatever do I ask of you for it: my reward rests with none but the Sustainer of all the worlds. 127 Do you construct on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves, 128 And take for yourselves palaces and fortresses that you might abide eternally? 129 And when you lay hands (on men) you lay hands (like) tyrants; 130 So guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me 131 And fear Him Who hath aided you with that which ye know. 132 He has given you cattle, children, 133 And gardens and springs. 134 Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful Day' 135 They said: it is equal unto us whether thou admonishest or art not of the admonishers. 136 this is nothing but a habit of the ancients: 137 We will not be subjected to any chastisement." 138 Eventually they gave the lie to him and We destroyed them. Surely there is a Sign in this, but most of them would not believe. 139 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 140