And indeed We sent to the Thamud, their fellowman Saleh that, “Worship Allah”, thereupon they became two parties quarrelling. 45 He said: O my people! Why will ye hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why will ye not ask pardon of Allah, that ye may receive mercy. 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 There were in that city nine persons who spread disorder in the land, and did 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 Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 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 saved those who believed and practised righteousness. 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." 55 ۞ But his people's only answer was this: "Expel [Lot and] Lot's followers from your township! Verily, they are folk who make themselves out to be pure!" 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58