To Thamood We sent their brother Salih saying: 'Worship Allah' But they were two parties in dispute with one another. 45 He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown mercy?" 46 They said: 'We predict an evil omen from you and those who are with you' He replied: 'Your prediction is with Allah, you are a nation 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 [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 So they devised a scheme, and We made our secret plan, and they remained neglectful. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 51 These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. 53 (We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? 54 Do you approach men lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 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 Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 57 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned. 58