[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to [one of God's] message-hearers 141 when their brother Salih said unto them: "Will you not be conscious of God? 142 "I am indeed a trustworthy Noble Messenger of Allah to you." 143 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 144 And I do not ask you for it any payment. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds. 145 "Do you think that you will be left secure [forever] in the midst of what you have here and now? 146 among gardens and fountains, 147 And tilled fields and heavy-sheathed palm-trees, 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 "Be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me, 150 Do not follow those who are extravagant, 151 who corrupt in the earth, and do not reform' 152 They said: thou art but one of the bewitched; 153 You are only a human being like ourselves. Show us a sign, if you are telling the truth." 154 He said, 'This is a she-camel; to her a draught and to you a draught, on a day appointed, 155 "Touch her not with harm, lest the Penalty of a Great Day seize you." 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and then they became regretful: 157 so the punishment came down upon them. Surely in that there is a sign, but most of them would not believe. 158 And verily thy Lord! He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159