To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one another. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to you?" 46 They said, "We have an ill omen about you and your followers." Salih replied, God has made your ill fortune await you. You are a people on trial." 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, "Let us swear by God to do away with him and his family during the night then tell his guardian that we did not see how he and his family had been destroyed, and we shall be telling the truth." 49 They plotted and We planned without their knowledge. Consider the result of their plot. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 and [now] those dwellings of theirs are empty, [ruined] as an outcome of their evil deeds. In this, behold, there is a message indeed for people of [innate] knowledge 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And Lot, he said to his nation: 'Do you commit indecencies with your eyes open! 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ His people had no answer except saying: "Expel the family of Lot from your city. They are a people who would (rather) be pure!" 56 Then We delivered him and his household save his wife: We destined her to be of the lingerers. 57 And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58