We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing 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: We have met with ill luck on account of you and on account of those with you. He said: The cause of your evil fortune is with Allah; nay, you are a people who are tried. 47 And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' " 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 Those are their houses, all are in ruins because of the evil they committed; surely in this there is a sign for nation who know. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ Then there was no answer of his people save that they said: drive forth the family of Lut from your City, verily they are a people who would be pure! 56 So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58