Allah says that Nuh turned to Allah to inform Allah - the All Knowing from
Whom nothing escapes - that he presented the clear call, as mentioned
previously, and the comprehensive invitation in various ways. He called them
sometimes by encouragement and sometimes by intimidating warnings. Yet, they
disobeyed him, opposed him, denied him and followed the children of the world.
They were those who were heedless of the command of Allah and they possessed
delights of wealth and children. However, these things (worldly benefits) were
also for gradual punishment and temporary respite, not for honor or blessing.
Thus, Allah says,
[وَاتَّبَعُواْ مَن
لَّمْ يَزِدْهُ مَالُهُ وَوَلَدُهُ إِلاَّ خَسَاراً]
(and followed one whose wealth and children give him no increase but loss.)
The meaning of Allah's statement,
[وَمَكَرُواْ مَكْراً
كُبَّاراً ]
(And they have plotted a mighty plot.) is that they plotted a deceptive plot
for their followers tricking them into believing that they were following the
truth and correct guidance. This is like what they will say to them on the Day
of Judgement,
[بَلْ مَكْرُ
الَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ إِذْ تَأْمُرُونَنَآ أَن نَّكْفُرَ بِاللَّهِ وَنَجْعَلَ
لَهُ أَندَاداً]
(Nay, but it was your plotting by night and day: when you orderd us to
disbelieve in Allah and set up rivals to Him!) (34:33) For this reason He says
here,