And We sent to Thamood their brother Salih: 'Serve you God!' And behold, they were two parties, that were disputing one with another. 45 Said [Salih to the erring ones]: Why do you seek to hasten the coming upon you of evil instead of hoping for the good?" Why do you not, rather, ask God to forgive you your sins, so that you might be graced with His 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 Now in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not things right; 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 plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. 50 Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We 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 avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! 55 ۞ The only answer of his people was, "Drive out Lot and his family from the city. They are a people who make themselves out to be pure." 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain 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