And indeed We sent to the Thamud, their fellowman Saleh that, “Worship Allah”, thereupon they became two parties quarrelling. 45 He said: O my people! wherefore seek ye to hasten the evil before the good? Wherefore ask ye not forgiveness of Allah, that haply ye may be shewn mercy. 46 They said, "We see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 Swearing by Allah they said to one another, “We will indeed attack him and his family at night, and then say to his heir, ‘We were not present at the time of slaying of this household, and indeed we are truthful.’” 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 (We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 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 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58