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 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 see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test." 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 So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 Now behold their houses that lie in utter ruins because of their wrong-doing. Verily there is a Sign in this for the people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and who guarded (against evil). 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 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 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife; We decreed she should be of those that tarried. 57 and We pelted them with torrential rain. How dreadful that rain was for those who had been warned! 58