The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers. 141 When their brother Salih said to them, "Will you not fear God? 142 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 143 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 144 And I ask of you no wage therefor; my wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. 145 Do you think that you will be left secure [forever] -- 146 "Gardens and Springs, 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 And you carve out of the mountains, homes, with skill. 149 So be mindful of God and listen to me. 150 and do not follow the biddings of those that go to excesses 151 Who cause corruption in the land and do not amend." 152 They said: "Surely you are deluded. 153 You are but a human like ourselves. Produce for 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 touch her not with ill lest there come on you the retribution of an awful day. 156 Yet they hamstrung her, and then they became regretful: 157 So the torment overtook them. Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers. 158 And verily thy Lord! He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159