We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 Said [Salih to the erring ones]: Why do you seek to hasten the coming upon you of evil instead of hoping for the good?" Why do you not, rather, ask God to forgive you your sins, so that you might be graced with His mercy?" 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 in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 48 Swearing by Allah they said to one another, “We will indeed attack him and his family at night, and then say to his heir, ‘We were not present at the time of slaying of this household, and indeed we are truthful.’” 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We 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 delivered those who believed and were wont to avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 And Lot, he said to his nation: 'Do you commit indecencies with your eyes open! 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 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 down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58