Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 Their brother Salih said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 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 "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds. 145 Will you be left secure in this here, 146 amidst [these] gardens and springs 147 farms, and palm-trees in thick groves, 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 So fear Allah and obey me. 150 "And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant,- 151 "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not." 152 They said: You are only of the deluded ones; 153 Thou art nothing but a mortal like ourselves! Come, then, forward with a token [of thy mission] if thou art a man of truth!" 154 He said: "Here is a she-camel; it has a right to drink (water), and you have a right to drink (water) (each) on a day, known. 155 Do not touch her with malice so that punishment of a dreadful day seizes you' 156 So they hamstrung her, and in the morning could only regret. 157 for the suffering [predicted by Salih,] befell them [then and there]. In this [story,] behold, there is a message [unto men,] even though most of them will not believe [in it]. 158 Your Lord is Majestic and All-merciful. 159