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 do you hasten upon the evil before the good? Why do you not seek forgiveness from Allah? Perhaps there may be mercy upon you.” 46 They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 47 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption 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 devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 Therefore see what was the result of their scheming – We destroyed them and their entire nation. 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 were cautious. 53 AND [thus, too, did We save] Lot, when he said unto his people: "Would you commit this abomination with your eyes open (to its being against all nature)? 54 What! do you indeed approach men lustfully rather than women? Nay, you are a people who act ignorantly. 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58