[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to [one of God's] message-hearers 141 When their brother Salih said to them, "Will you not fear God? 142 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 143 so fear God and obey me. 144 'I ask of you no wage for this; my wage falls only upon the Lord of all Being. 145 (Do you think) you will be left secure here 146 amidst gardens and fountains, 147 "And corn-fields and date-palms with spathes near breaking (with the weight of fruit)? 148 And you carve out of the mountains, homes, with skill. 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 do not obey the bidding of those who are given to excesses, 151 who spread evil in the land with no reform." 152 They replied, "Surely you are bewitched. 153 thou art naught but a mortal, like us; then produce a sign, if thou art one of the truthful.' 154 (Saleh) said: "Here is a she-camel. She has a right of drinking water, and you have a right of drinking it on appointed turns. 155 "And touch her not with harm, lest the torment of a Great Day seize you." 156 But they hamstrung her and then regretted it. 157 and the punishment seized them. Surely, in that there is a sign. Yet most of them do not believe. 158 And verily thy Lord! He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159