We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 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 predict an evil omen from you and those who are with you' He replied: 'Your prediction is with Allah, you are a nation being tested' 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 they said, 'Swear you, one to another, by God, "We will attack him and his family by night, then we will tell his protector, We were not witnesses of the destruction of his family; and assuredly we are truthful men."' 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were godfearing. 53 (Remember) Lot, when he said to his people: "Why do you indulge in obscenities when you know (it is evil)? 54 Would ye go in lustfully unto men instead of women? Aye! ye are a people addicted to ignorant ways. 55 ۞ Yet the only answer of his nation was that they said: 'Expel the family of Lot from your village, they are people who purified themselves' 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58