To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute 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 met with ill luck on account of you and on account of those with you. He said: The cause of your evil fortune is with Allah; nay, you are a people who are tried. 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would 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 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ The only answer of his people was, "Drive out Lot and his family from the city. They are a people who make themselves out to be pure." 56 Then We delivered him and his household save his wife: We destined her to be of the lingerers. 57 We sent to them a terrible rainstorm. How horrible was the rain for the people who had already received warning. 58