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 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 augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 47 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 48 They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' " 49 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 51 So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ Yet the only answer of his nation was that they said: 'Expel the family of Lot from your village, they are people who purified themselves' 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind, 57 And We rained down upon them a rain. It was an evil rain for those who had already been warned. 58