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THE QUR'ÂN.
XXVI, 139-166.
be believers. [140] And, verily, thy Lord is mighty, merciful.
Thamûd called the apostles liars; when their brother Zalih said to them, 'Do ye not fear ? verily, I am to you a faithful apostle; so fear God and obey me. [145] I do not ask you for it any hire ; my hire is only with the Lord of the worlds. Shall ye be left here in safety with gardens and springs, and corn-fields and palms, the spathes whereof are fine ? and ye hew out of the mountains houses skilfully. [150] But fear God and obey me; and obey not the bidding of the extravagant, who do evil in the earth and do not act aright!'
They said, 'Thou art only of the infatuated; thou art but mortal like ourselves; so bring us a sign, if thou be of those who speak the truth!'
[155] He said, “This she-camel shall have her drink and you your drink on a certain day; but touch her not with evil, or there will seize you the torment of a mighty day!'
But they hamstrung her, and on the morrow they repented; and the torment seized them; verily, in that is a sign; but most of them will never be believers : but verily, thy Lord He is mighty, merciful.
[160] The people of Lot called the apostles liars ; when their brother Lot said to them, 'Do ye not fear ? verily, I am to you a faithful apostle; then fear God and obey me. I do not ask you for it any hire; my hire is only with the Lord of the worlds. [165] Do ye approach males of all the world and leave what God your Lord has created for you of your wives ? nay, but ye are people who transgress!'
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