We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 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 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 nine persons in the city who used to cause turmoil in the land and did not wish reform. 48 They said: Swear to each other by Allah that we will certainly make a sudden attack on him and his family by night, then we will say to his heir: We did not witness the destruction of his family, and we are most surely truthful. 49 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 See, then, what the consequences of their plan were. We destroyed them and their people utterly, 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 saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And Lot, he said to his nation: 'Do you commit indecencies with your eyes open! 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ The only answer of his people was, "Drive out Lot and his family from the city. They are a people who make themselves out to 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 upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58