Samood gave the lie to the apostles 141 When their brother Saleh said to them: "Will you not take heed?" 142 Surely I am a faithful apostle to you 143 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, 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 secure in this, 146 In these gardens and these springs, 147 And tilled fields and heavy-sheathed palm-trees, 148 and that you will [always be able to] hew dwellings out of the mountains with [the same] great skill?" 149 So fear you God, and obey you me; 150 and do not follow the biddings of those that go to excesses 151 who spread evil in the land with no reform." 152 They said: Thou art but one of the bewitched; 153 "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!" 154 He said: 'Here is a shecamel. She shall have her share of water as you have yours on an appointed day. 155 And do not touch her with evil, lest the punishment of a grievous day should overtake you. 156 So they hamstrung her, and in the morning could only regret. 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 Your Lord is Majestic and All-merciful. 159