To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one another. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to you?" 46 They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen is with Allah. Rather, you are a people being tested." 47 And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said: Swear one to another by Allah that we verily will attack him and his household by night, and afterward we will surely say unto his friend: We witnessed not the destruction of his household. And lo! we are truthtellers. 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 See, yonder are their dwellings empty and in ruins because they did wrong. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a people who have knowledge. 52 We saved the faithful God-fearing believers. 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ Therefore the answer of his people was nothing except that they said, “Expel the family of Lut from your township; these people wish purity!” 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 We sent to them a terrible rainstorm. How horrible was the rain for the people who had already received warning. 58