when a group of them said why do you advise a people whom allah will destroy or punish with a severe punishment? they said as an excuse before your lord and that they may be godwary.
وإذ قالت أمة منهم لم تعظون قوما الله مهلكهم أو معذبهم عذابا شديدا قالوا معذرة إلى ربكم ولعلهم يتقون