The Thamud belied the sent ones 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 I am for you a faithful Messenger, 143 so fear God and obey me. 144 I do not ask for any payment for my preaching. I shall receive my reward from the Lord of the Universe. 145 Will you be left in what is here, secure [from death], 146 amidst gardens and springs 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 "And ye carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great skill. 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 Do not follow those who are extravagant, 151 those who spread corruption on earth instead of setting things to rights!" 152 They said: "Surely you are deluded. 153 Thou art but a mortal like us. So bring some token if thou art of the truthful. 154 He said: "Here is a she-camel: she has a right of watering, and ye have a right of watering, (severally) on a day appointed. 155 And touch her not with ill lest there come on you the retribution of an awful day. 156 But they hamstrung her, and in the morning they were remorseful, 157 and the chastisement seized them. Surely in that is a sign, yet most of them are not believers. 158 Verily Your Lord is Immensely Mighty, Most Compassionate. 159