We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 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 in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 They said: "Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: 'We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth.'" 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 So yonder are their houses overturned, for they did wrong. Verily, herein is a sign unto a people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 Must you really approach men with lust instead of women? Nay, but you are people without any awareness (of right and wrong)!" 55 ۞ Then there was no answer of his people save that they said: drive forth the family of Lut from your City, verily they are a people who would be pure! 56 So We saved him and his family except his wife who was destined to stay behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! 58