The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers. 141 when their brother Salih said unto them: "Will you not be conscious of God? 142 Behold, I am an apostle [sent by Him] to you, [and therefore] worthy of your trust: 143 Therefore guard against (the punishment of) Allah 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 amidst the gardens, springs, 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 Will you still hew your dwellings in the mountains? 149 "So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. 150 And obey not the command of the extravagant. 151 Who work corruption in the land and rectify not. 152 They said, 'Thou art merely one of those that are bewitched; 153 "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!" 154 He said, "This is a she-camel. She will have her share of water as you have your share, each on a certain day. 155 And touch her not with ill lest there come on you the retribution of an awful day. 156 Then they hamstrung her; and then they became regretful. 157 So the chastisement seized them. Surely there is a Sign in this, but most of them would not believe. 158 And verily thy Lord! He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159