We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 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 evil of thee and those with thee. He said: Your evil augury is with Allah. Nay, but ye are folk that are being tested. 47 Now there were in the city nine men who were wont to commit deeds of depravity all over the land, and would not reform; 48 They said: "Swear to one another in the name of Allah that we shall make a sudden night swoop on Salih and his family and will then tell their heirs that we did not witness the destruction of his family. We are indeed truthful." 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 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 And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people: What! do you commit indecency while you see? 54 Do you lustfully approach men instead of women? Nay, you engage in acts of sheer ignorance." 55 ۞ His people had no answer except saying: "Expel the family of Lot from your city. They are a people who would (rather) be pure!" 56 So We delivered him and his family, except his wife; We decreed she should be of those that tarried. 57 And We rained upon them a rain; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58