We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to you?" 46 They said, 'We augur ill of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 There were in that city nine persons who spread disorder in the land, and did not reform. 48 They said: "Let us swear by God that we will attack Saleh and his family at night, and later tell his heirs: 'We did not see his family destroyed, and we speak 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 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ But this had only one answer from his people. They said: "Expel Lot's folk from your city. They pretend to be absolutely clean." 56 Thereupon We saved him and his household - all but his wife, whom We willed to be among those that stayed behind 57 and We pelted them with torrential rain. How dreadful that rain was for those who had been warned! 58