We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 45 He said, 'O my people, why do you seek to hasten evil before good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God? Haply so you will find mercy.' 46 They said, 'We augur ill of thee and of those that are with thee.' He said, 'Your augury is with God; nay, but you are a people being proved.' 47 And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs]. 48 They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'" 49 They hatched up the plot; We also planned without their knowledge. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 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 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 Lot asked his people, "Do you understandably commit indecency? 54 Must ye needs lust after men instead of women? Nay, but ye are folk who act senselessly. 55 ۞ Therefore the answer of his people was nothing except that they said, “Expel the family of Lut from your township; these people wish purity!” 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We showered a rain upon them; so what a wretched rain for those who were warned! 58