And indeed We sent to the Thamud, their fellowman Saleh that, “Worship Allah”, thereupon they became two parties quarrelling. 45 Salih said: "My people, why do you wish to hasten that evil rather than good should come upon you? Why should you not seek pardon from Allah so that mercy be shown to you?" 46 They answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 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: swear by God one to another that we shall surely fall upon him and his household by night and thereafter we shall surely say unto his heir; we witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily we are truthtellers. 49 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 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 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 54 Do you lustfully approach men instead of women? Nay, you engage in acts of sheer ignorance." 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 We saved (Lot) and his family except his wife who was destined to remain behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58