To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute 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: "You betoken evil, and those with you." (Saleh) replied: "The evil you presage can only come from God. In reality you are a people under trial (for your own inauspiciousness)." 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 They said, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling 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 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 Those are their empty houses which We ruined because of their injustice. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people of knowledge. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were godfearing. 53 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 54 Do you have carnal relations with men rather than women? You are ignorant people". 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 the while We rained a rain [of destruction] upon the others: and dire is such rain upon all who let themselves be warned [to no avail] 58