And the Thamud belied the warnings. 23 they said, "Are we to follow a man from amongst ourselves? We would surely then fall into error and madness. 24 "Is it that the Reminder is sent to him [Prophet Salih (Saleh)] alone from among us? Nay, he is an insolent liar!" 25 Ah! they will know on the morrow, which is the liar, the insolent one! 26 For We will send the she-camel by way of trial for them. So watch them, (O Salih), and possess thyself in patience! 27 And let them know that the water [of their wells] is to be divided between them, with each share of water equitably apportioned." 28 Then they called their fellow, and he took the sword and hamstrung her, 29 and how severe was the suffering which I inflicted when My warnings were disregarded! 30 Behold, We let loose upon them one single blast [of Our punishment,] and they became like the dried-up, crumbling twigs of a sheepfold. 31 We made the Quran easy to understand, but is there anyone who would take heed? 32 The people of Lut rejected (his) warning. 33 Indeed We sent a shower of stones upon them, except the family of Lut; We rescued them before dawn. 34 a blessing from Us; even so We recompense him who is thankful. 35 And he had already warned them of Our assault, but they disputed the warning. 36 they even wanted to seduce his guests -- but We blinded them, and said, "Taste My punishment now that you have scorned My warnings!" -- 37 Early on the morrow an abiding Punishment seized them: 38 "So taste ye My Wrath and My Warning." 39 Surely We have made this Qur'an easy as a reminder. Is there, then, any who will take heed? 40