Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you 143 so fear God and obey me. 144 And I ask of you no hire therefor; MY hire is but with the Lord of the worlds. 145 Will you be left secure in what is here; 146 among gardens and fountains, 147 sown fields and palmtrees, with slender spathes. 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 Therefor keep your duty to Allah and obey me, 150 Do not obey the order of the wasteful, 151 Who corrupt the land and do not reform it." 152 They replied, "Surely you are bewitched. 153 You are nothing but a man like us. Bring us a token if you speak the truth." 154 He said: 'Here is a shecamel. She shall have her share of water as you have yours on an appointed day. 155 so do her no harm, or the punishment of an awful day will befall you." 156 But they hamstrung her, then regretted; 157 So the retribution came on them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 158 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159