Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 When their brother Salih said unto them: Will ye not ward off (evil)? 142 I have been sent as a trusted messenger to you. 143 “Therefore 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 this, 146 amidst gardens and springs 147 And tilled fields and heavy-sheathed palm-trees, 148 And hew ye out houses in the mountains skilfully! 149 "Be, then, conscious of God, and pay heed unto me, 150 "And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant,- 151 Who cause corruption in the land and do not amend." 152 They said: You are only of the deluded ones; 153 Thou art but a human being like unto us. So bring thou a sign if thou art of the truth-tellers. 154 He said, "This is a she-camel. For her is a [time of] drink, and for you is a [time of] drink, [each] on a known day. 155 "And touch her not with harm, lest the torment of a Great Day seize you." 156 But they hamstrung her, then regretted; 157 So the punishment overtook them. Most surely there is a sign in this, but most of them do not believe. 158 But, verily, thy Sustainer - He alone - is almighty, a dispenser of grace! 159