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 Salih said, "My people, why do you commit sins so quickly before doing good? Would that you ask forgiveness from God so that perhaps He will have mercy upon you." 46 They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 48 They said: "Let us swear by God that we will attack Saleh and his family at night, and later tell his heirs: 'We did not see his family destroyed, and we speak the truth.'" 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 55 ۞ But his people's only answer was this: "Expel [Lot and] Lot's followers from your township! Verily, they are folk who make themselves out to be pure!" 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58