Hud (peace be upon him) was sent to his people, the tribe of 'Ad, saying, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him" (7:65). The 'Ad were a mighty people, tall and strong, who built lofty monuments and boasted of their power (89:6-8, 26:128-130).
Hud reminded them of Allah's favours and warned them of a painful punishment if they continued in idolatry and oppression, but the arrogant chiefs called him a fool and a liar (7:66). He told them plainly that he asked no reward, and that his reward was only with the One who created him (11:50-51).
When they persisted and defiantly challenged him to bring on the punishment, Allah sent against them a furious, roaring wind (69:6, 41:16). It raged over them for seven nights and eight days, leaving the people fallen as though they were hollow trunks of palm trees (69:7).
Allah saved Hud and those who believed with him by His mercy, and cut off the roots of those who denied His signs (7:72). The story of 'Ad stands as a warning against arrogance rooted in worldly strength.