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 He said, 'O my people, why do you seek to hasten evil before good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God? Haply so you will find 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 that city nine persons who spread disorder in the land, and did 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 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 Those are their houses, all are in ruins because of the evil they committed; surely in this there is a sign for nation who know. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 55 ۞ But the answer of his folk was naught save that they said: Expel the household of Lot from your township, for they (forsooth) are folk who would keep clean! 56 Eventually We saved (Lot) and his family, except his wife. We had decreed that she should be among those who would remain behind. 57 And We rained down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58