We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 46 They said: we augur ill of thee and of those who are with thee. He said: your augury is with Allah. Aye! ye are a people being tested. 47 Now in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not 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 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 Therefore see what was the result of their scheming – We destroyed them and their entire nation. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 And Lot, when he said to his people, 'What, do you commit indecency with your eyes open? 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 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58