We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 Said [Salih to the erring ones]: Why do you seek to hasten the coming upon you of evil instead of hoping for the good?" Why do you not, rather, ask God to forgive you your sins, so that you might be graced with His mercy?" 46 They said, 'We augur ill of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth." 49 And they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 51 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 (Remember) Lot, when he said to his people: "Why do you indulge in obscenities when you know (it is evil)? 54 Do you lustfully approach men instead of women? Nay, you engage in acts of sheer ignorance." 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 Thereupon We saved him and his household - all but his wife, whom We willed to be among those that stayed behind 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58