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 commit sins so quickly before doing good? Would that you ask forgiveness from God so that perhaps He will have mercy upon you." 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 family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs]. 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 plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were godfearing. 53 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 “What! You lustfully go towards men, leaving the women?! In fact, you are an ignorant 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 So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58