AND [likewise,] indeed, We sent unto [the tribe of] Thamud their brother Salih [with this message]: "Worship God alone!" and behold, they were [split into] two factions contending 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 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 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 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 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 and We saved those who believed in and feared God. 53 And Lot, when he said to his people, 'What, do you commit indecency with your eyes open? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained on them a rain; and evil indeed is the rain of them that are warned. 58