We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin. 14 And We rescued him and the people aboard the ship, and made the ship a sign for the entire world. 15 And Abraham, [too, was inspired by Us] when he said unto his people: "Worship God, and be conscious of Him: this is the best for you, if you but knew it! 16 Ye only worship images instead of Allah, and ye create a falsehood. Verily those whom ye worship instead of Allah own no provision for you. Wherefore seek with Allah provision, and worship Him, and give thanks unto Him: unto Him ye shall be returned. 17 "And if you give [me] the lie - well, [other] communities have given the lie [to God's prophets] before your time: but no more is an apostle bound to do than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to him]." 18 Do they not see how God originates creation, then reverts it back? This is indeed how inevitably the law of God works; 19 Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent." 20 He punishes whom He will and shows mercy to whom He pleases. And to Him you shall be returned. 21 You cannot challenge God in the heavens or in the earth. No one besides God is your guardian or helper. 22