The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers. 141 when their brother Salih said to them, 'Will you not be godfearing? 142 Lo! I am a faithful messenger unto you, 143 So fear God and follow me. 144 I do not ask for any payment for my preaching. I shall receive my reward from the Lord of the Universe. 145 Do you believe that you will be left here to live securely in the present state 146 in the midst of gardens and fountains, 147 sown fields, and palms with slender spathes? 148 You hew dwellings in mountains and exult in that. 149 So fear Allah, and obey me. 150 and do not follow the biddings of those that go to excesses 151 Who make mischief in the land and do not act aright. 152 They said: "Surely you are deluded. 153 Thou art but a mortal like us. So bring some token if thou art of the truthful. 154 He said, "This is a she-camel. For her is a [time of] drink, and for you is a [time of] drink, [each] on a known day. 155 "Touch her not with harm, lest the Penalty of a Great Day seize you." 156 So they hamstrung her, and in the morning could only regret. 157 So the retribution came on them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 158 Your Lord, He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 159