To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute 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 a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen is with Allah. Rather, you are a people being tested." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 48 They said: "Swear to one another in the name of Allah that we shall make a sudden night swoop on Salih and his family and will then tell their heirs that we did not witness the destruction of his family. We are indeed truthful." 49 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 “What! You lustfully go towards men, leaving the women?! In fact, you are an ignorant people.” 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure." 56 So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! 58