We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 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 augur ill of thee and of those who are with thee. He said: your augury is with Allah. Aye! ye are a people being tested. 47 And there were nine persons in the city who used to cause turmoil in the land and did not wish reform. 48 They said: swear by God one to another that we shall surely fall upon him and his household by night and thereafter we shall surely say unto his heir; we witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily we are truthtellers. 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 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 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 upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58