[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to [one of God's] message-hearers 141 When their brother Salih said unto them: Will ye not ward off (evil)? 142 Verily I am unto you an apostle trusted. 143 "So fear Allah, and obey me. 144 I do not ask any recompense of you for this. My reward is due from none but the Lord of all the worlds. 145 Do you think that you will be left secure [forever] -- 146 amidst gardens and springs 147 sown fields, and palms with slender spathes? 148 And hew ye out houses in the mountains skilfully! 149 So fear God and obey me: 150 "And follow not the command of Al-Musrifun [i.e. their chiefs, leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners], 151 who spread evil in the land with no reform." 152 They replied, "Surely you are bewitched. 153 You are only a human being like ourselves. Show us a sign, if you are telling the truth." 154 He said: This is a she-camel; she shall have her portion of water, and you have your portion of water on an appointed time; 155 And do not touch her with evil, lest the punishment of a grievous day should overtake you. 156 But they hamstrung her; and on the morrow were repentant, 157 And the punishment seized them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 158 And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159