The Thamud gave the lie to the Messengers. 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 I am a trustworthy Messengers sent to you. 143 "So fear Allah, and obey me. 144 And I ask of you no hire therefor; MY hire is but with the Lord of the worlds. 145 Do you think that you will be left secure [forever] -- 146 "Gardens and Springs, 147 "And corn-fields and date-palms with spathes near breaking (with the weight of fruit)? 148 You hew dwellings in mountains and exult in that. 149 So fear God and obey me: 150 and do not follow the biddings of those that go to excesses 151 Who work corruption in the land and rectify not. 152 They replied: 'Surely, you are one of those bewitched. 153 You are nothing but a man like us. Bring us a token if you speak the truth." 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 take hold of you the torment of a Mighty Day. 156 But they hamstrung her and so became regretful. 157 And the punishment seized them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 158 And verily thy Lord! He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159