To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute with one another. 45 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy. 46 They said: "We augur ill of you and those who are with you." Salih replied: "Your augury is with Allah. The truth is that you are a people who are being tried." 47 In the city there were nine people who were corrupting the land and did not reform. 48 They said: 'Let us swear by Allah to attack him and his family at night, then we will tell his guardian we were not witnesses of the destruction of his family; and surely we are truthful' 49 And they devised a scheme and, without their knowledge, We devised a scheme. 50 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. 51 Now behold their houses that lie in utter ruins because of their wrong-doing. Verily there is a Sign in this for the people who know. 52 And We delivered those who believed and were wont to fear. 53 We also sent Lot, and recall when he told his people: "Do you commit shameless acts with your eyes open? 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 delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind, 57 And we rained on them a rain (of stones); indeed it is an evil rain that rains on those that are warned. 58