[AND the tribe of] Thamud gave the lie to all [Our] warnings; 23 They said: 'Are we to follow a mortal who is one of us? Then indeed, we would surely be in error and insane. 24 Was he the one of all of us to have been given the exposition? He is surely an impudent liar." 25 (We told Salih), "Tomorrow they will know who is the most arrogant liar. 26 We are sending to them as a trial, a shecamel, so watch them and have patience. 27 Tell them that the water is to be divided between them, a drink each for them in turn' 28 But they summoned their [boldest] companion, and he ventured [upon the evil deed,] and cruelly slaughtered [the animal]: 29 How (great) was then My punishment and My warning! 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 And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? 32 The people of Lot cried lies to the warnings. 33 Surely We sent upon them a stonestorm, except Lut's followers; We saved them a little before daybreak, 34 A favor from Us; thus do We reward him who gives thanks. 35 And (Lut) did warn them of Our Punishment, but they disputed about 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 And indeed, abiding suffering did befall them early on the morrow: 38 “So taste My punishment, and My warnings!” 39 We have made it easy indeed to learn lessons from the Quran. Is there anyone who would receive admonition? 40