Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 Behold, their brother Salih said to them: "Will you not fear (Allah)? 142 Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 143 So fear Allah, and obey me. 144 And I ask of you no hire therefor; MY hire is but with the Lord of the worlds. 145 Will you be left secure in this, 146 amidst the gardens, springs, 147 and cornfields, and palm-trees laden with fruit -- 148 Will you still skilfully hew houses out of the mountains? 149 "Be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me, 150 and pay no heed to the counsel of those who are given to excesses 151 and spread mischief in the land rather than set things right." 152 They said: "Surely you are deluded. 153 You are nothing but a man like us. Bring us a token if you speak the truth." 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 Do not touch her with malice so that punishment of a dreadful day seizes you' 156 But they hamstrung her; and on the morrow were repentant, 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