And We sent to Thamud their brother Salih (with the Message): "Serve Allah," but all of a sudden they became split into two quarrelling factions. 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 answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 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 you, one to another, by God, "We will attack him and his family by night, then we will tell his protector, We were not witnesses of the destruction of his family; and assuredly we are truthful men."' 49 They plotted and We planned without their knowledge. Consider the result of their plot. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 and [now] those dwellings of theirs are empty, [ruined] as an outcome of their evil deeds. In this, behold, there is a message indeed for people of [innate] knowledge 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lout (Lot) from your city. Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58