The Thamud belied the sent ones 141 when their brother Salih said to them, 'Will you not be godfearing? 142 I am for you an honest Messenger. 143 So keep your duty to Allah and obey me. 144 "And no reward whatever do I ask of you for it: my reward rests with none but the Sustainer of all the worlds. 145 Do you think that you will be left secure [forever] -- 146 among gardens and fountains, 147 and fields, and [these] palm-trees with slender spathes? 148 and that you will [always be able to] hew dwellings out of the mountains with [the same] great skill?" 149 Therefor keep your duty to Allah and obey me, 150 and do not follow the biddings of those that go to excesses 151 and spread mischief in the land rather than set things right." 152 They replied: 'Surely, you are one of those bewitched. 153 Thou art nothing but a mortal like ourselves! Come, then, forward with a token [of thy mission] if thou art a man of truth!" 154 He said, 'This is a she-camel; to her a draught and to you a draught, on a day appointed, 155 And do not touch her with evil, lest the punishment of a grievous day should overtake you. 156 But they hamstrung her, then regretted; 157 And the punishment seized them. Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them were not to be believers. 158 Surely thy Lord, He is the All-mighty, the All-compassionate. 159