We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 46 They said: We augur evil of thee and those with thee. He said: Your evil augury is with Allah. Nay, but ye are folk that are being tested. 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 They said: 'Let us swear by Allah to attack him and his family at night, then we will tell his guardian we were not witnesses of the destruction of his family; and surely we are truthful' 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 So see what was the outcome of the plan they made: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them. 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 godfearing. 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 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58