We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to you?" 46 They said: we augur ill of thee and of those who are with thee. He said: your augury is with Allah. Aye! ye are a people being tested. 47 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 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 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 So behold thou how was the end of their plotting: verily We annihilated them and their nation all together. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lot, when he said to his people, 'What, do you commit indecency with your eyes open? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 the while We rained a rain [of destruction] upon the others: and dire is such rain upon all who let themselves be warned [to no avail] 58