AND [likewise,] indeed, We sent unto [the tribe of] Thamud their brother Salih [with this message]: "Worship God alone!" and behold, they were [split into] two factions contending with one another. 45 (Saleh) said: "O people, why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why not ask for God's forgiveness? You may well be forgiven." 46 They said: We augur evil of thee and those with thee. He said: Your evil augury is with Allah. Nay, but ye are folk that are being tested. 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 Behold, then, what all their scheming came to in the end: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them; 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 Would ye go in lustfully unto men instead of women? Aye! ye are a people addicted to ignorant ways. 55 ۞ But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 We saved (Lot) and his family except his wife who was destined to remain behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58