And indeed We sent to the Thamud, their fellowman Saleh that, “Worship Allah”, thereupon they became two parties quarrelling. 45 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 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 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58