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 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 And there were nine persons in the city who used to cause turmoil in the land and did not wish reform. 48 They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'" 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 (Remember) Lot, when he said to his people: "Why do you indulge in obscenities when you know (it is evil)? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ But the answer of his folk was naught save that they said: Expel the household of Lot from your township, for they (forsooth) are folk who would keep clean! 56 But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58