The Thamud gave the lie to the Messengers. 141 Behold, their brother Salih said to them: "Will you not fear (Allah)? 142 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 143 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah and obey me: 144 For this I demand no recompense from you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 145 Will you be left secure in what is here; 146 amidst the gardens, springs, 147 sown fields and palmtrees, with slender spathes. 148 "And you carve houses out of mountains with great skill. 149 So fear you God, and obey you me; 150 and do not follow the biddings of those that go to excesses 151 "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not." 152 They replied: 'Surely, you are one of those bewitched. 153 You are a mere mortal like us. Show us a miracle if you are telling the Truth". 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 intentions for the punishment of the Great Day will seize you.” 156 But they hamstrung her, and then were penitent. 157 And the punishment seized them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 158 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159