And We had certainly sent to Thamud their brother Salih, [saying], "Worship Allah," and at once they were two parties conflicting. 45 He said: O my people! Why will ye hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why will ye not ask pardon of Allah, that ye may receive mercy. 46 They answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 47 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 48 They said: "Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth.'" 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together. 51 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 52 seeing that We saved those who had attained to faith and were conscious of Us, 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 Would ye go in lustfully unto men instead of women? Aye! ye are a people addicted to ignorant ways. 55 ۞ But his people's only answer was this: "Expel [Lot and] Lot's followers from your township! Verily, they are folk who make themselves out to be pure!" 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58