We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 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 evil of thee and those with thee. He said: Your evil augury is with Allah. Nay, but ye are folk that are being tested. 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 48 Swearing by Allah they said to one another, “We will indeed attack him and his family at night, and then say to his heir, ‘We were not present at the time of slaying of this household, and indeed we are truthful.’” 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 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 saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 Do you approach men lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 55 ۞ There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lout (Lot) from your city. Verily, these are 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; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58