[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 be godfearing? 142 "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 143 so fear you God, and obey you me.' 144 "And no reward whatever do I ask of you for it: my reward rests with none but the Sustainer of all the worlds. 145 Do you believe that you will be left here to live securely in the present state 146 "Gardens and Springs, 147 sown fields, and palms with slender spathes? 148 carving comfortable houses out of the mountains? 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 And obey not the command of the extravagant. 151 Who work corruption in the land and rectify not. 152 They replied, "Surely you are bewitched. 153 "You are but a human being like us. Then bring us a sign if you are of the truthful." 154 He said: 'Here is a shecamel. She shall have her share of water as you have yours on an appointed day. 155 And touch her not with ill, lest there take hold of you the torment of a Mighty Day. 156 So they hamstrung her, and in the morning could only regret. 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