And We sent to Thamud their brother Salih (with the Message): "Serve Allah," but all of a sudden they became split into two quarrelling factions. 45 He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown 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 And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would 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 Thus they planned and We too planned, the while they did not know. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 So those are their houses fallen down because they were unjust, most surely there is a sign in this for a people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and who guarded (against evil). 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 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 We saved (Lot) and his family except his wife who was destined to remain behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! 58