We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 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 an ill omen about you and your followers." Salih replied, God has made your ill fortune await you. You are a people on trial." 47 Now in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not things right; 48 They said: Swear one to another by Allah that we verily will attack him and his household by night, and afterward we will surely say unto his friend: We witnessed not the destruction of his household. And lo! we are truthtellers. 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 Therefore see what was the result of their scheming – We destroyed them and their entire nation. 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 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 55 ۞ But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain behind. 57 We sent to them a terrible rainstorm. How horrible was the rain for the people who had already received warning. 58