The Thamud gave the lie to the Messengers. 141 when their brother Salih said unto them: "Will you not be conscious of God? 142 "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 143 Have fear of God and obey me. 144 For this I demand no recompense from you; my reward is only with the Lord of the Universe. 145 Will you be left secure in this here, 146 “In gardens and water springs?” 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 Will you still hew your dwellings in the mountains? 149 So fear God and obey me: 150 And do not obey the bidding of the extravagant, 151 who spread evil in the land with no reform." 152 They said: Thou art but one of the bewitched; 153 You are naught but a mortal like ourselves; so bring a sign if you are one of the truthful. 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 so do her no harm, or the punishment of an awful day will befall you." 156 But they cruelly slaughtered her - and then they had cause to regret it: 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 And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. 159