Allah says, just as We sent Nuh to his people, similarly, to the ‘Ad people. We sent Hud one of their own brethren. Muhammad bin Ishaq said that the tribe of ‘Ad were the descendants of ‘Ad, son of Iram, son of ‘Aws, son of Sam, son of Nuh. I say, these are indeed the ancient people of ‘Ad whom Allah mentioned, the children of ‘Ad, son of Iram who were living in the deserts with lofty pillars or statues. Allah said,

Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with 'Ad (people). Of Iram like (lofty) pillars . The like of which were not created in the land?

because of their might and strength. Allah said in another instance,

As for 'Ad, they were arrogant in the land without right, and they said: "Who is mightier than us in strength ?" See they not that Allah Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayat !.

The Land of ‘Ad

The people of 'Ad lived in Yemen, in the area of Ahqaf, which means sand mounds. Muhammad bin Ishaq narrated that Abu At-Tufayl ‘Amir bin Wathilah said that he heard ‘Ali (bin Abi Talib) saying to a man from Hadramawt (in Yemen), “Have you seen a red sand mound, where there are a lot of Arak and Lote trees in the area of so-and-so in Hadramawt? Have you seen it?” He said, “Yes, O Commander of the faithful! By Allah, you described it as if you have seen it before.” ‘Ali said, "I have not seen it, but it was described to me.” The man asked, “What about it, O Commander of the faithful?” ‘Ali said, “There is the grave of Hud, peace be upon him, in its vicinity.” Ibn Jarir recorded this statement, which gives the benefit of indicating that ‘Ad used to live in Yemen, since Prophet Hud was buried there. Prophet Hud was among the noble men and chiefs of ‘Ad, for Allah chose the Messengers from among the best, most honorable families and tribes. Hud’s people were mighty and strong, but their hearts were mighty and hard, for they were among the most denying of Truth among the nations. Prophet Hud called ‘Ad to worship Allah alone without partners, and to obey and fear Him.

Debate between Hud and his People

meaning, the general public, chiefs, masters and commanders of his people said,

meaning, you are misguided because you call us to abandon worshipping the idols in order to worship Allah Alone.
Similarly, the chiefs of Quraysh wondered at the call to worship One God, saying,

"Has he (Muhammad) made the gods (all) into One God?".

Hud said, I am not as you claim. Rather, I brought you the Truth from Allah, Who created everything, and He is the Lord and King of all things,

These, indeed, are the qualities of the Prophets: conveying, sincerity and honesty,

Prophet Hud said, do not wonder because Allah sent a Messenger to you from among yourselves to warn you about Allah’s Days (His torment) and meeting with Him. Rather than wondering, you should thank Allah for this bounty.

meaning, remember Allah’s favor on you in that He made you among the offspring of Nuh, because of whose supplication Allah destroyed the people of the earth after they defied and opposed him.

making you taller than other people.