[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 Verily I am unto you an apostle trusted. 143 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) 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 Do you believe that you will be left here to live securely in the present state 146 In gardens and springs. 147 And green crops (fields etc.) and date-palms with soft spadix. 148 "And you carve houses out of mountains with great skill. 149 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 150 Do not obey the order of the wasteful, 151 "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not." 152 They replied: "You are nothing but one of those who are bewitched; 153 "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!" 154 He said: (Behold) this she-camel. She hath the right to drink (at the well), and ye have the right to drink, (each) on an appointed day. 155 And touch her not with ill, lest there take hold of you the torment of a Mighty Day. 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and then they became regretful: 157 And the punishment seized them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 158 And indeed your Lord – only He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 159