[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to all [Our] warnings; 23 So they said: What! a single mortal from among us! Shall we follow him? Most surely we shall in that case be in sure error and distress: 24 Has the message been sent down upon him from among us? Rather, he is an insolent liar." 25 (To him We said): 'Tomorrow they shall know who is the arrogant liar. 26 Surely We are going to send the she-camel as a trial for them; therefore watch them and have patience. 27 Tell them that the water is to be apportioned between them (and her); and every turn of drinking will be fixed (for each)." 28 But they summoned their [boldest] companion, and he ventured [upon the evil deed,] and cruelly slaughtered [the animal]: 29 So how dreadful have been My torment and My warnings. 30 Verily We, We sent upon them one shout, and they became as the stubble of a fold-builder. 31 Hence, indeed, We made this Qur'an easy to bear in mind: who, then, is willing to take it to heart? 32 The people of Lot cried lies to the warnings. 33 and behold, We let loose upon them a tempest which rained stones upon them, except upon Lot's household whom We rescued in the last hours of the night 34 As a Favour from Us, thus do We reward him who gives thanks (by obeying Us). 35 And he indeed had warned them of Our blow, but they did doubt the warnings. 36 they even wanted to seduce his guests -- but We blinded them, and said, "Taste My punishment now that you have scorned My warnings!" -- 37 And there came upon them by morning an abiding punishment. 38 "Taste, then, the suffering which I inflict when My warnings are disregarded!" 39 And indeed, We have made the Quran easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? 40