We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 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 said, "We see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' " 49 Thus they planned and We too planned, the while they did not know. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 Those are their empty houses which We ruined because of their injustice. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people of knowledge. 52 We saved the faithful God-fearing believers. 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 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 We saved (Lot) and his family except his wife who was destined to remain behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58