And We sent to Thamud their brother Salih (with the Message): "Serve Allah," but all of a sudden they became split into two quarrelling factions. 45 He said, “O my people, why do you hasten upon the evil before the good? Why do you not seek forgiveness from Allah? Perhaps there may be mercy upon you.” 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 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, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' " 49 And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. 50 Then see the nature of the consequence of their plotting, for lo! We destroyed them and their people, every one. 51 So these are their houses fallen flat, the recompense of their injustice; indeed in this is a sign for people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 AND [thus, too, did We save] Lot, when he said unto his people: "Would you commit this abomination with your eyes open (to its being against all nature)? 54 What! do you indeed approach men lustfully rather than women? Nay, you are a people who act ignorantly. 55 ۞ And the only answer of his people was that they said, 'Expel the folk of Lot from your city; they are men that keep themselves clean!' 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 a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58