We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 He said: O my people! Why will ye hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why will ye not ask pardon of Allah, that ye may receive mercy. 46 They said, “We consider you an evil omen, and your companions”; he said, “Your evil omen is with Allah – in fact you people have fallen into trial.” 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 They said: Swear to each other by Allah that we will certainly make a sudden attack on him and his family by night, then we will say to his heir: We did not witness the destruction of his family, and we are most surely truthful. 49 They plotted and We planned without their knowledge. Consider the result of their plot. 50 So behold thou how was the end of their plotting: verily We annihilated them and their nation all together. 51 Now behold their houses that lie in utter ruins because of their wrong-doing. Verily there is a Sign in this for the people who know. 52 seeing that We saved those who had attained to faith and were conscious of Us, 53 And Lot, he said to his nation: 'Do you commit indecencies with your eyes open! 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 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 saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58