And We sent to Thamood their brother Salih: 'Serve you God!' And behold, they were two parties, that were disputing one with another. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to you?" 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 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 48 They said: "Swear to one another in the name of Allah that we shall make a sudden night swoop on Salih and his family and will then tell their heirs that we did not witness the destruction of his family. We are indeed truthful." 49 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 Do you have carnal relations with men rather than women? You are ignorant people". 55 ۞ But this had only one answer from his people. They said: "Expel Lot's folk from your city. They pretend to be absolutely clean." 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 We sent to them a terrible rainstorm. How horrible was the rain for the people who had already received warning. 58