We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 'My nation' he said, 'why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why do you not ask the forgiveness of Allah, in order that you find mercy' 46 They answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 47 There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform. 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 They plotted and We planned without their knowledge. Consider the result of their plot. 50 and behold, how was the end of their device! For We destroyed them and their people all together. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 seeing that We saved those who had attained to faith and were conscious of Us, 53 And Lot! when he said unto his folk: Will ye commit abomination knowingly? 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave 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 We saved (Lot) and his family except his wife who was destined to remain behind. 57 the while We rained a rain [of destruction] upon the others: and dire is such rain upon all who let themselves be warned [to no avail] 58