To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute with one another. 45 (Saleh) said: "O people, why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why not ask for God's forgiveness? You may well be forgiven." 46 They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 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 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 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 So behold thou how was the end of their plotting: verily We annihilated them and their nation all together. 51 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 (Remember) Lot, when he said to his people: "Why do you indulge in obscenities when you know (it is evil)? 54 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 55 ۞ But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and 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 upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58