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 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 of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 They said, "Let us swear by God to do away with him and his family during the night then tell his guardian that we did not see how he and his family had been destroyed, and we shall be telling the truth." 49 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 So see what was the outcome of the plan they made: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them. 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 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 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 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 ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind, 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58