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 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 46 They answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 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: 'Let us swear by Allah to attack him and his family at night, then we will tell his guardian we were not witnesses of the destruction of his family; and surely we are truthful' 49 And they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 See, then, how was the end of their plan that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 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 delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 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 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! 55 ۞ But his people's only answer was this: "Expel [Lot and] Lot's followers from your township! Verily, they are folk who make themselves out to be pure!" 56 Eventually We saved (Lot) and his family, except his wife. We had decreed that she should be among those who would remain behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58