AND [likewise,] indeed, We sent unto [the tribe of] Thamud their brother Salih [with this message]: "Worship God alone!" and behold, they were [split into] two factions contending with one another. 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: "You betoken evil, and those with you." (Saleh) replied: "The evil you presage can only come from God. In reality you are a people under trial (for your own inauspiciousness)." 47 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 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 And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan while they perceived not. 50 See, then, how was the end of their plan that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 51 and [now] those dwellings of theirs are empty, [ruined] as an outcome of their evil deeds. In this, behold, there is a message indeed for people of [innate] knowledge 52 And we saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lout (Lot) from your city. Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind, 57 And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58