The Thamud gave the lie to the Messengers. 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 143 So fear Allah and obey me. 144 'I ask of you no wage for this; my wage falls only upon the Lord of all Being. 145 Will you be left in what is here, secure [from death], 146 amidst [these] gardens and springs 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 Will you still skilfully hew houses out of the mountains? 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 replied: 'Surely, you are one of those bewitched. 153 you are no different from a mortal like us. So produce a sign if you are truthful." 154 He said, 'This is a she-camel; to her a draught and to you a draught, on a day appointed, 155 Do not cause her to suffer lest you become subject to the torment of the great day (of Judgment)." 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and in the morning they were remorseful, 157 so the punishment came down upon them. Surely in that there is a sign, but most of them would not believe. 158 And indeed, your Lord - He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. 159