( فَعَقَرُوا النَّاقَةَ) (So they hamstrung the she-camel): Meaning they slaughtered it.

( وَعَتَوْا عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِمْ) (and were insolent toward the command of their Lord): They were arrogant and disobeyed Allah’s (swt) command. They slaughtered the she-camel that Prophet Salih (PBUH) brought out for them as a sign, the miracle though He (PBUH) had previously warned them by saying: (and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment).

( وَقَالُوا يَا صَالِحُ ائْتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَا ) (and said, “O Salih, bring us what you promise us): After they slaughtered the she-camel, they challenged the Prophet (PBUH) to bring them down the promised he promised them.

( إِن كُنتَ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ ) (if you should be of the messengers): If what he said was true.