We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 He said: O my people! wherefore seek ye to hasten the evil before the good? Wherefore ask ye not forgiveness of Allah, that haply ye may be shewn mercy. 46 They answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 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, 'Swear you, one to another, by God, "We will attack him and his family by night, then we will tell his protector, We were not witnesses of the destruction of his family; and assuredly we are truthful men."' 49 And they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 52 We saved the faithful God-fearing believers. 53 And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality while you are seeing? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58