After 'Ad came Thamud. They built palaces on the plains and skilfully carved homes out of the mountains. Allah sent them their brother Salih, peace be upon him.
He called them to worship Allah alone. Some of the weak believed, but the arrogant chiefs said they rejected what Salih had brought.
The sign
From Allah came a she-camel as a clear sign. Salih told them the water was to be shared by turns — a day for her and a day for them — and warned them not to harm her, or a painful punishment would seize them.
But the most wretched among them rose up, and the rest supported him. They killed the she-camel and challenged Salih: if you truly are a messenger, bring the punishment you promise.
Salih said: enjoy yourselves in your homes for three more days. That is a promise that will not be belied.
Then a mighty blast seized them, and by morning they lay fallen in their homes, as though they had never lived there. Allah saved Salih and those who believed.