185. Rükû ركوع ١٨٥

We sent Noah to his people to say, ‘I have come to you to give a clear warning:

worship no one but God. I fear you will have torment on a painful Day.’

But the prominent disbelievers among his people said, ‘We can see that you are nothing but a mortal like ourselves, and it is clear to see that only the vilest among us follow you. We cannot see how you are any better than we are. In fact, we think you are a liar.’

He said, ‘My people, think: if I did have a clear sign from my Lord, and He had given me grace of His own, though it was hidden from you, could we force you to accept it against your will?

My people, I ask no reward for it from you; my reward comes only from God. I will not drive away the faithful: they are sure to meet their Lord. I can see you are foolish.

My people, who could help me against God if I drove the faithful away? Will you not take heed?

I am not telling you that I hold God’s treasures, or have any knowledge of what is hidden, or that I am an angel. Nor do I say that God will not grant any good to those who are despised in your eyes: God Himself knows best what is in their souls. If I did this I would be one of the wrongdoers.’

They said, ‘Noah! You have argued with us for too long. Bring down on us the punishment you threaten us with, if you are telling the truth.’

He said, ‘It is God who will bring it down, if He wishes, and you will not be able to escape.

My advice will be no use to you if God wishes to leave you to your delusions: He is your Lord and to Him you will be returned.’

If [these disbelievers] say, ‘He has made this up,’ say [Muhammad], ‘If I have made this up, I am responsible for my own crime, but I am innocent of the crimes you commit.’