And We sent to Thamud their brother Salih (with the Message): "Serve Allah," but all of a sudden they became split into two quarrelling factions. 45 Salih said, "My people, why do you commit sins so quickly before doing good? Would that you ask forgiveness from God so that perhaps He will have mercy upon you." 46 They said, 'We augur ill of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 So those are their houses fallen down because they were unjust, most surely there is a sign in this for a people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves 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 on them a rain, and evil was the rain of those who had been warned. 58