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 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 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 And there were nine persons in the city who used to cause turmoil in the land and did not wish reform. 48 They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' " 49 And they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 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 But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58