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 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 46 They said: "Ill omen do we augur from thee and those that are with thee". He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; yea, ye are a people under trial." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 48 They said, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth." 49 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 See, then, how was the end of their plan that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 51 Those are their empty houses which We ruined because of their injustice. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people of knowledge. 52 And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah. 53 And Lot, he said to his nation: 'Do you commit indecencies with your eyes open! 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ Therefore the answer of his people was nothing except that they said, “Expel the family of Lut from your township; these people wish purity!” 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind, 57 And We rained down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58