The Thamud (people) rejected the 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 so fear you God, and obey you me.' 144 And I do not ask you any reward for it; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds: 145 "Will you be left secure in that which you have here? 146 amidst gardens and springs 147 The fields of corn and date-palm trees with soft and tender spathes, 148 And hew ye out houses in the mountains skilfully! 149 So fear you God, and obey you me; 150 do not obey the bidding of those who are given to excesses, 151 "Who make mischief in the land, and mend not (their ways)." 152 They said: "You are only of those bewitched! 153 "You are but a human being like us. Then bring us a sign if you are of the truthful." 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 so do her no harm, or the punishment of an awful day will befall you." 156 But they hamstrung her, and then were penitent. 157 So the retribution came on them. Lo! herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. 158 Your Lord, He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful. 159