And We sent to Thamood their brother Salih: 'Serve you God!' And behold, they were two parties, that were disputing one with another. 45 He said, “O my people, why do you hasten upon the evil before the good? Why do you not seek forgiveness from Allah? Perhaps there may be mercy upon you.” 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 in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not things right; 48 [and] after having bound one another by an oath in God's name, they said: "Indeed, we shall suddenly fall upon him and his household by night [and slay them all]; and then we shall boldly say to his next of kin, 'We did not witness the destruction of his household - and behold, we are indeed men of truth!'" 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 See, then, how was the end of their plan that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 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 avoid disobeying (Allah). 53 And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality while you are seeing? 54 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! 55 ۞ But the answer of his folk was naught save that they said: Expel the household of Lot from your township, for they (forsooth) are folk who would keep clean! 56 But We delivered him and his followers except his wife; We ordained her to be of those who remained behind. 57 and We pelted them with torrential rain. How dreadful that rain was for those who had been warned! 58