To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one another. 45 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 46 They answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 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 plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together. 51 See, yonder are their dwellings empty and in ruins because they did wrong. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to avoid disobeying (Allah). 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 lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 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 We saved (Lot) and his family except his wife who was destined to remain behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58