We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 He said: O my people! why do you seek to hasten on the evil before the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of Allah so that you may be dealt with mercifully? 46 They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 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 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 Those are their houses, all fallen down because of the evil they committed; surely in that is a sign for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and who guarded (against evil). 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ Then there was no answer of his people save that they said: drive forth the family of Lut from your City, verily they are a people who would be pure! 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And we rained on them a rain (of stones); indeed it is an evil rain that rains on those that are warned. 58