We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find 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 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 48 They said: "Swear to one another in the name of Allah that we shall make a sudden night swoop on Salih and his family and will then tell their heirs that we did not witness the destruction of his family. We are indeed truthful." 49 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 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 practised righteousness. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 55 ۞ But this had only one answer from his people. They said: "Expel Lot's folk from your city. They pretend to be absolutely clean." 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And we rained on them a rain (of stones); indeed it is an evil rain that rains on those that are warned. 58