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 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to 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 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: "Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth.'" 49 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 Because of their wrongdoing, their houses are in ruins, in that surely there is a sign for people who have knowledge, 52 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 And Lot, he said to his nation: 'Do you commit indecencies with your eyes open! 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ And the only answer of his people was that they said, 'Expel the folk of Lot from your city; they are men that keep themselves clean!' 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 down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58