We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 Said [Salih to the erring ones]: Why do you seek to hasten the coming upon you of evil instead of hoping for the good?" Why do you not, rather, ask God to forgive you your sins, so that you might be graced with His mercy?" 46 They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 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, "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 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 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 And (remember) Lout (Lot)! When he said to his people. Do you commit Al-Fahishah (evil, great sin, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, sodomy, etc.) while you see (one another doing evil without any screen, etc.)?" 54 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 55 ۞ But his people's only answer was this: "Expel [Lot and] Lot's followers from your township! Verily, they are folk who make themselves out 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 rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58