And We had certainly sent to Thamud their brother Salih, [saying], "Worship Allah," and at once they were two parties conflicting. 45 He said, 'O my people, why do you seek to hasten evil before good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God? Haply so you will find mercy.' 46 They said, "We see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 47 And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs]. 48 They said, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth." 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 Behold, then, what all their scheming came to in the end: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them; 51 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 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 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58