To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute with one another. 45 He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown mercy?" 46 They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen is with Allah. Rather, you are a people being tested." 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, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth." 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, 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 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 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 Do you approach men lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 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 Thereupon We saved him and his household - all but his wife, whom We willed to be among those that stayed behind 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58