Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 When their fellowman Saleh said to them, “Do you not fear?” 142 Lo! I am a faithful messenger unto you, 143 be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me! 144 I do not ask for any payment for my preaching. I shall receive my reward from the Lord of the Universe. 145 "Will ye be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that ye have here? 146 “In gardens and water springs?” 147 and cornfields, and palm-trees laden with fruit -- 148 carving comfortable houses out of the mountains? 149 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 150 Do not follow those who are extravagant, 151 who do corruption in the earth, and set not things aright.' 152 They said: You are only of the deluded ones; 153 thou art naught but a mortal, like us; then produce a sign, if thou art one of the truthful.' 154 He said: This is a she-camel; she shall have her portion of water, and you have your portion of water on an appointed time; 155 And do not touch her with evil, lest the punishment of a grievous day should overtake you. 156 Then they hamstrung her; and then they became regretful. 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 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159