And We sent to Thamud their brother Salih (with the Message): "Serve Allah," but all of a sudden they became split into two quarrelling factions. 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 who are with thee. He said: your augury is with Allah. Aye! ye are a people being tested. 47 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said: "Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth.'" 49 And they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 52 And we saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 55 ۞ Then there was no answer of his people save that they said: drive forth the family of Lut from your City, verily they are a people who would be pure! 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife; We decreed she should be of those that tarried. 57 And We rained on them a rain, and evil was the rain of those who had been warned. 58