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 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 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 Now in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not things right; 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 And they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived it not. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 and [now] those dwellings of theirs are empty, [ruined] as an outcome of their evil deeds. In this, behold, there is a message indeed for people of [innate] knowledge 52 and We saved those who believed in and feared God. 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 the while We rained a rain [of destruction] upon the others: and dire is such rain upon all who let themselves be warned [to no avail] 58