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 do you seek to hasten the evil (torment) before the good (Allah's Mercy)? Why seek you not the Forgiveness of Allah, that you may receive mercy?" 46 They said, "We see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 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 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 Behold, then, what all their scheming came to in the end: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them; 51 and [now] those dwellings of theirs are empty, [ruined] as an outcome of their evil deeds. In this, behold, there is a message indeed for people of [innate] knowledge 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lot, when he said to his people, 'What, do you commit indecency with your eyes open? 54 Do you lustfully approach men instead of women? Nay, you engage in acts of sheer ignorance." 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 rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! 58