[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 Allah? 142 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 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 secure in what is here; 146 "Gardens and Springs, 147 And tilled fields and heavy-sheathed palm-trees, 148 And hew ye out houses in the mountains skilfully! 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 "And follow not the command of Al-Musrifun [i.e. their chiefs, leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners], 151 who do corruption in the earth, and set not things aright.' 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 He said, "This is a she-camel. For her is a [time of] drink, and for you is a [time of] drink, [each] on a known day. 155 Do not molest her lest the chastisement of an Awesome Day should seize you." 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and in the morning they were remorseful, 157 so the punishment came down upon them. Surely in that there is a sign, but most of them would not believe. 158 And verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. 159