To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one another. 45 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 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 in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said: Swear to each other by Allah that we will certainly make a sudden attack on him and his family by night, then we will say to his heir: We did not witness the destruction of his family, and we are most surely truthful. 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 See, yonder are their dwellings empty and in ruins because they did wrong. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 (Remember) Lot, when he said to his people: "Why do you indulge in obscenities when you know (it is evil)? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ But the answer of his folk was naught save that they said: Expel the household of Lot from your township, for they (forsooth) are folk who would keep clean! 56 Then We delivered him and his household save his wife: We destined her to be of the lingerers. 57 And We rained on them a rain; and evil indeed is the rain of them that are warned. 58