And We sent to Thamud their brother Salih (with the Message): "Serve Allah," but all of a sudden they became split into two quarrelling factions. 45 He said: O my people! Why will ye hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why will ye not ask pardon of Allah, that ye may 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 There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 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 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and who guarded (against evil). 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply 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 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind, 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58