We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 He said, 'O my people, why do you seek to hasten evil before good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God? Haply so you will find 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 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 Thus they planned and We too planned, the while they did not know. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 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 rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid 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 upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58