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 do you hasten upon the evil before the good? Why do you not seek forgiveness from Allah? Perhaps there may be mercy upon you.” 46 They said: "We augur ill of you and those who are with you." Salih replied: "Your augury is with Allah. The truth is that you are a people who are being tried." 47 There were in that city nine persons who spread disorder in the land, and did not reform. 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 And Lot, when he said to his people, 'What, do you commit indecency with your eyes open? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife; We decreed she should be of those that tarried. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58