And indeed We sent to the Thamud, their fellowman Saleh that, “Worship Allah”, thereupon they became two parties quarrelling. 45 He said, 'O my people, why do you seek to hasten evil before good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God? Haply so you will find mercy.' 46 They said: We augur evil of thee and those with thee. He said: Your evil augury is with Allah. Nay, but ye are folk that are being tested. 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 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 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 Therefore see what was the result of their scheming – We destroyed them and their entire nation. 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. 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ His people had no answer except saying: "Expel the family of Lot from your city. They are a people who would (rather) be pure!" 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58