To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute with one another. 45 (Saleh) said: "O people, why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why not ask for God's forgiveness? You may well be forgiven." 46 They said: 'We predict an evil omen from you and those who are with you' He replied: 'Your prediction is with Allah, you are a nation being tested' 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 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 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 See, then, what the consequences of their plan were. We destroyed them and their people utterly, all together. 51 See, yonder are their dwellings empty and in ruins because they did wrong. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 Do you lustfully approach men instead of women? Nay, you engage in acts of sheer ignorance." 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 So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58