[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to [one of God's] message-hearers 141 Their brother Salih said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 142 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you 143 "So fear Allah, and obey me. 144 "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds. 145 Will you be left in what is here, secure [from death], 146 among gardens and fountains, 147 and cornfields, and palm-trees laden with fruit -- 148 carving comfortable houses out of the mountains? 149 So fear Allah, and obey me. 150 And do not obey the bidding of the extravagant, 151 those who spread corruption in the land instead of putting things right." 152 They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched! 153 Thou art nothing but a mortal like ourselves! Come, then, forward with a token [of thy mission] if thou art a man of truth!" 154 Salih said: "This is a she-camel. There is a day set for her to drink and there is a day set for you to drink. 155 And touch her not with ill, lest there take hold of you the torment of a Mighty Day. 156 But they hamstrung her; and on the morrow were repentant, 157 for the suffering [predicted by Salih,] befell them [then and there]. In this [story,] behold, there is a message [unto men,] even though most of them will not believe [in it]. 158 Yet verily your Lord is mighty and merciful. 159