[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to [one of God's] message-hearers 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you 143 So fear Allah and obey me. 144 “And I do not ask from you any fee for it; my reward is only upon the Lord Of The Creation.” 145 Shall ye be left secure in that which is here before us. 146 "In gardens and springs. 147 and cornfields and date-palms laden with juicy fruits? 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 So fear you God, and obey you me; 150 Do not follow those who are extravagant, 151 Who corrupt the land and do not reform it." 152 They said: Thou art but one of the bewitched; 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, "This is a she-camel. She will have her share of water as you have your share, each on a certain day. 155 And do not touch her with harm, lest you be seized by the punishment of a terrible day." 156 But they hamstrung her, then regretted; 157 And the punishment seized them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 158 And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. 159