[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 be godfearing? 142 Verily I am unto you an apostle trusted. 143 so fear God and obey me. 144 And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 145 (Do you think) you will be left secure here 146 “In gardens and water springs?” 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 “And you carve out dwellings in the mountains, with skill?” 149 "Be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me, 150 "And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant,- 151 Who corrupt the land and do not reform it." 152 They said, "You are only of those affected by magic. 153 you are no different from a mortal like us. So produce a sign if you are truthful." 154 He said: 'Here is a shecamel. She shall have her share of water as you have yours on an appointed day. 155 and do not touch her with malice so that there seize you the chastisement of a dreadful day.' 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 indeed, your Lord - He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. 159