And indeed We sent to the Thamud, their fellowman Saleh that, “Worship Allah”, thereupon they became two parties quarrelling. 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 see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 47 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 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 so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 Behold, then, what all their scheming came to in the end: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them; 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 seeing that We saved those who had attained to faith and were conscious of Us, 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure." 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife; We decreed she should be of those that tarried. 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