We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 Salih said, "My people, why do you commit sins so quickly before doing good? Would that you ask forgiveness from God so that perhaps He will have mercy upon you." 46 They said: 'We predict an evil omen from you and those who are with you' He replied: 'Your prediction is with Allah, you are a nation being tested' 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: swear by God one to another that we shall surely fall upon him and his household by night and thereafter we shall surely say unto his heir; we witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily we are truthtellers. 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 So these their habitations lie deserted now because of their iniquities. Verily there is a sign in this for those who understand. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 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 decreed she should be of those that tarried. 57 And We rained down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58