The Thamud belied the sent ones 141 When their brother Salih said unto them: Will ye not ward off (evil)? 142 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you 143 "So fear Allah, and obey 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 you be left in what is here, secure [from death], 146 In gardens and fountains, 147 sown fields and palmtrees, with slender spathes. 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 And do not obey the bidding of the extravagant, 151 Who corrupt the land and do not reform it." 152 They said: Thou art but one of the bewitched; 153 Thou art but a mortal like us. So bring some token if thou art of the truthful. 154 He said, "Here is a she-camel. She shall have her turn of drinking, as you have yours, each on an appointed day, 155 And touch her not with ill lest there come on you the retribution of an awful day. 156 But they hamstrung her, and in the morning they were remorseful, 157 So the chastisement seized them. Surely there is a Sign in this, but most of them would not believe. 158 And indeed, your Lord - He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. 159