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 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 answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 48 They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' " 49 And they devised a device, and We likewise devised a device, while they were not aware; 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 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 wont to fear. 53 (We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ His people had no answer except saying: "Expel the family of Lot from your city. They are a people who would (rather) be pure!" 56 But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58