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 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 see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 47 And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said, "Let us swear by God to do away with him and his family during the night then tell his guardian that we did not see how he and his family had been destroyed, and we shall be telling the truth." 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 See, then, what the consequences of their plan were. We destroyed them and their people utterly, all together. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ But this had only one answer from his people. They said: "Expel Lot's folk from your city. They pretend to be absolutely clean." 56 Eventually We saved (Lot) and his family, except his wife. We had decreed that she should be among those who would remain behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58