We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown 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 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 48 They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'" 49 And they devised a device, and We likewise devised a device, while they were not aware; 50 Behold, then, what all their scheming came to in the end: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them; 51 Those are their houses, all are in ruins because of the evil they committed; surely in this there is a sign for nation who know. 52 and We saved those who believed in and feared God. 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 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 Then We delivered him and his household save his wife: We destined her to be of the lingerers. 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58