To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one 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 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 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 Now behold their houses that lie in utter ruins because of their wrong-doing. Verily there is a Sign in this for the people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness. 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 Do you approach men lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 55 ۞ Yet the only answer of his nation was that they said: 'Expel the family of Lot from your village, they are people who purified themselves' 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; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58