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 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 consider you an evil omen, and your companions”; he said, “Your evil omen is with Allah – in fact you people have fallen into trial.” 47 And there were nine of a group in the city, who spread corruption in the land and rectified not. 48 They said: "Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth.'" 49 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and who guarded (against evil). 53 (We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? 54 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 55 ۞ Therefore the answer of his people was nothing except that they said, “Expel the family of Lut from your township; these people wish purity!” 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58