AND [likewise,] indeed, We sent unto [the tribe of] Thamud their brother Salih [with this message]: "Worship God alone!" and behold, they were [split into] two factions contending with one another. 45 He said: "O my people! Why do you seek to hasten the evil (torment) before the good (Allah's Mercy)? Why seek you not the Forgiveness of Allah, that you may receive 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 In the city there were nine people who were corrupting the land and did not reform. 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 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 See, then, what the consequences of their plan were. We destroyed them and their people utterly, all together. 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 avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ Yet the only answer of his nation was that they said: 'Expel the family of Lot from your village, they are people who purified themselves' 56 So We saved him and his family except his wife who was destined to stay behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58