We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 45 (Saleh) said: "O people, why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why not ask for God's forgiveness? You may well be forgiven." 46 They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen is with Allah. Rather, you are a people being tested." 47 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 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 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 (Remember) Lot, when he said to his people: "Why do you indulge in obscenities when you know (it is evil)? 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 people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure." 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained on them a rain, and evil was the rain of those who had been warned. 58