We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown mercy?" 46 They said, "We have an ill omen about you and your followers." Salih replied, God has made your ill fortune await you. You are a people on trial." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 48 They said: swear by God one to another that we shall surely fall upon him and his household by night and thereafter we shall surely say unto his heir; we witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily we are truthtellers. 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 Because of their wrongdoing, their houses are in ruins, in that surely there is a sign for people who have knowledge, 52 And we saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 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