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 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you 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 in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not things right; 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 devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 Therefore see what was the result of their scheming – We destroyed them and their entire nation. 51 Now behold their houses that lie in utter ruins because of their wrong-doing. Verily there is a Sign in this for the people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lout (Lot) from your city. Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58