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 commit sins so quickly before doing good? Would that you ask forgiveness from God so that perhaps He will have mercy upon you." 46 They said: "We augur ill of you and those who are with you." Salih replied: "Your augury is with Allah. The truth is that you are a people who are being tried." 47 And there were nine persons in the city who used to cause turmoil in the land and did not wish reform. 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 they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 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 saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ And the only answer of his people was that they said, 'Expel the folk of Lot from your city; they are men that keep themselves clean!' 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 on them a rain, and evil was the rain of those who had been warned. 58