We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 45 (Saleh) said: "O people, why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why not ask for God's forgiveness? You may well be forgiven." 46 They said: "You betoken evil, and those with you." (Saleh) replied: "The evil you presage can only come from God. In reality you are a people under trial (for your own inauspiciousness)." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 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 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 So see what was the outcome of the plan they made: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them. 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 saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 54 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 So We saved him and his family except his wife who was destined to stay behind. 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58