The Thamud gave the lie to the Messengers. 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 Truly, I am a trustworthy messenger for you, 143 "So fear Allah, and obey me. 144 And I do not ask you any reward for it; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds: 145 Do you believe that you will be left here to live securely in the present state 146 In these gardens and these springs, 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 And you hew houses out of the mountains exultingly; 149 "But fear Allah and obey me; 150 and pay no heed to the counsel of those who are given to excesses 151 those who spread corruption on earth instead of setting things to rights!" 152 They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched! 153 "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!" 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 do not touch her with evil, lest the punishment of a grievous day should overtake you. 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and in the morning they were remorseful, 157 So the retribution came on them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 158 And lo! thy Lord! He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 159