(The tribe of) Thamud denied the messengers (of Allah) 141 Their brother Salih said to them: 'Will you not be cautious? 142 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 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 "Will you be left secure in that which you have here? 146 among gardens and fountains, 147 sown fields and palmtrees, with slender spathes. 148 carving comfortable houses out of the mountains? 149 Have fear of God and obey me. 150 do not obey the bidding of those who are given to excesses, 151 Who spread corruption in the earth, and reform not. 152 They replied: "You are nothing but one of those who are bewitched; 153 Thou art nothing but a mortal like ourselves! Come, then, forward with a token [of thy mission] if thou art a man of truth!" 154 He said, "Here is a she-camel. She shall have her turn of drinking, as you have yours, each on an appointed day, 155 "Touch her not with harm, lest the Penalty of a Great Day seize 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 And indeed your Lord – only He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 159