And assuredly We sent unto the Thamud their brother Saleh saying: worship Allah. Then lo! they became two parties contending. 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 augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 47 And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs]. 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 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 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58