Thamood, belied their Messengers. 141 Their brother Salih asked them, "Why do you not fear God? 142 "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. 143 so fear God and obey me. 144 And I do not ask you any reward for it; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds: 145 Do you believe that you will be left here to live securely in the present state 146 amidst the gardens, springs, 147 and cornfields, and palm-trees laden with fruit -- 148 carving comfortable houses out of the mountains? 149 So fear Allah and obey me. 150 "And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant,- 151 Who corrupt the land and do not reform it." 152 They said: Thou art but one of the bewitched; 153 "Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!" 154 He said, "Here is a she-camel. She shall have her turn of drinking, as you have yours, each on an appointed day, 155 "Touch her not with harm, lest the Penalty of a Great Day seize you." 156 But they hamstrung her and then regretted it. 157 and the chastisement seized them. Surely in that is a sign, yet most of them are not believers. 158 And verily thy Lord! He is the Mighty, the Merciful. 159