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! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 46 They said: "You betoken evil, and those with you." (Saleh) replied: "The evil you presage can only come from God. In reality you are a people under trial (for your own inauspiciousness)." 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 Those are their houses, all fallen down because of the evil they committed; surely in that is a sign for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 AND [thus, too, did We save] Lot, when he said unto his people: "Would you commit this abomination with your eyes open (to its being against all nature)? 54 “What! You lustfully go towards men, leaving the women?! In fact, you are an ignorant people.” 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 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 showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58