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 He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown mercy?" 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 There were in that city nine persons who spread disorder in the land, and did not reform. 48 They said: Swear to each other by Allah that we will certainly make a sudden attack on him and his family by night, then we will say to his heir: We did not witness the destruction of his family, and we are most surely truthful. 49 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 So see what was the outcome of the plan they made: We utterly destroyed them and their people, all of them. 51 and [now] those dwellings of theirs are empty, [ruined] as an outcome of their evil deeds. In this, behold, there is a message indeed for people of [innate] knowledge 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 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 saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 We sent to them a terrible rainstorm. How horrible was the rain for the people who had already received warning. 58