۞ To the Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "My people, worship God! You have no god but Him. It was He who brought you into being from the earth and settled you upon it and so ask His forgiveness. Turn to Him in repentance. My Lord is near and responsive." 61 They answered: "O Salih! Great hopes did we place in thee ere this! Wouldst thou forbid us to worship what our forefathers were wont to worship? Because [of this,] behold, we are in grave doubt, amounting to suspicion, about [the meaning of] thy call to us!" 62 He said; O my people! bethink if I rest on an evidence from my Lord, and there hath come to me from Him a mercy, then who will succour me against Allah, if I disobey Him? Ye then increase me not save in loss. 63 "And O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a sign to you, leave her to feed on Allah's earth, and touch her not with evil, lest a near torment will seize you." 64 But they slew her, so he said: Enjoy yourselves in your abode for three days, that is a promise not to be belied. 65 Therefore when Our command came, We rescued Saleh and the Muslims who were with him by Our mercy, and from the disgrace of that day; indeed your Lord is the Strong, the Almighty. 66 And the Blast overtook those who were wont to do wrong, and then they lay lifeless in their homes 67 As though they had not dwelt there. Lo! Thamud disbelieved in their Lord. A far removal for Thamud! 68