[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to [one of God's] message-hearers 141 When their brother Salih said to them: Will you not guard (against evil)? 142 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you 143 So keep your duty to Allah and obey me. 144 And I do not ask you any reward for it; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds: 145 "Do you think that you will remain here peacefully forever 146 Within gardens and springs 147 farms, and palm-trees in thick groves, 148 "And you carve houses out of mountains with great skill. 149 So be mindful of God and listen to 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 replied, "Surely you are bewitched. 153 You are but a man like ourselves, so bring a sign, if you should be of the truthful." 154 He said: "Here is a she-camel: she has a right of watering, and ye have a right of watering, (severally) on a day appointed. 155 And do not touch her with harm, lest you be seized by the punishment of a terrible day." 156 But they hamstrung her; and on the morrow were repentant, 157 So the punishment overtook them. Most surely there is a sign in this, but most of them do not believe. 158 Your Lord, He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 159