[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 guard (against evil)? 142 "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 143 So fear God and follow me. 144 For this I demand no recompense from you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 145 Do you believe that you will be left here to live securely in the present state 146 amidst gardens and springs 147 And cornfields and palm-trees having fine spadices? 148 hewing out houses in the mountains and taking pride in your skill? 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 And obey not the command of the extravagant. 151 those who spread corruption on earth instead of setting things to rights!" 152 Said they: "Thou art but one of the bewitched! 153 "You are but a human being like us. Then bring us a sign if you are of the truthful." 154 He said, 'This is a she-camel; to her a draught and to you a draught, on a day appointed, 155 And do not touch her with evil, lest the punishment of a grievous day should overtake you. 156 But they hamstrung her, then regretted; 157 and the punishment seized them. Surely, in that there is a sign. Yet most of them do not believe. 158 And lo! thy Lord! He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 159