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 He said: "O my people! Why do you seek to hasten the evil (torment) before the good (Allah's Mercy)? Why seek you not the Forgiveness of Allah, that you may receive mercy?" 46 They said: We have met with ill luck on account of you and on account of those with you. He said: The cause of your evil fortune is with Allah; nay, you are a people who are tried. 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 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 Thus they planned and We too planned, the while they did not know. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave 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 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58