We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 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 said: We augur evil of thee and those with thee. He said: Your evil augury is with Allah. Nay, but ye are folk that are being tested. 47 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 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 They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. 50 So see what was the outcome of the plan they made: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them. 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 saved those who believed and used to ward off (evil). 53 And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ The only answer of his people was, "Drive out Lot and his family from the city. They are a people who make themselves out to be pure." 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain behind. 57 And we rained on them a rain (of stones); indeed it is an evil rain that rains on those that are warned. 58