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 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 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 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and did not act aright. 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 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 and We saved those who believed in and feared God. 53 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 Do you approach men lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 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 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We rained on them a rain, and evil was the rain of those who had been warned. 58