And We sent to Thamood their brother Salih: 'Serve you God!' And behold, they were two parties, that were disputing one with another. 45 He said, "O my people, why are you impatient for evil instead of good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allah that you may receive mercy?" 46 They said, 'We augur ill of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 And there were nine persons in the city who used to cause turmoil in the land and did not wish reform. 48 They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'" 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 See, then, how was the end of their plan that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 51 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ His people had no answer except saying: "Expel the family of Lot from your city. They are a people who would (rather) be pure!" 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain behind. 57 And We rained down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58