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 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 you and those who are with you." Salih replied: "Your augury is with Allah. The truth is that you are a people who are being tried." 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: 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 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 delivered those who believed and were godfearing. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 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 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58