To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending 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 have met with ill luck on account of you and on account of those with you. He said: The cause of your evil fortune is with Allah; nay, you are a people who are tried. 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 They said: "Let us swear by God that we will attack Saleh and his family at night, and later tell his heirs: 'We did not see his family destroyed, and we speak the truth.'" 49 They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 51 Those are their houses, all fallen down because of the evil they committed; surely in that is a sign for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 You lust after men in place of women. You are indeed a stolid people." 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed 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