And We verily sent unto Thamud their brother Salih, saying: Worship Allah. And lo! they (then became two parties quarrelling. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to 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 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'" 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 51 Those are their houses, all are in ruins because of the evil they committed; surely in this there is a sign for nation who know. 52 And we saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 Do you lustfully approach men instead of women? Nay, you engage in acts of sheer ignorance." 55 ۞ But his people's only answer was this: "Expel [Lot and] Lot's followers from your township! Verily, they are folk who make themselves out to be pure!" 56 Then We delivered him and his household save his wife: We destined her to be of the lingerers. 57 the while We rained a rain [of destruction] upon the others: and dire is such rain upon all who let themselves be warned [to no avail] 58