We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 45 (Saleh) said: "O people, why do you wish to hasten evil rather than good? Why not ask for God's forgiveness? You may well be forgiven." 46 They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." 47 Now there were nine ring-leaders in the city who created corruption in the land and never worked to set things right. 48 They said, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth." 49 And so they devised an evil scheme; but We devised a subtle scheme (of Our own), and they perceived it not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 51 Those are their houses, all fallen down because of the evil they committed; surely in that is a sign for a people who have knowledge. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And Lot, when he said to his people, 'What, do you commit indecency with your eyes open? 54 Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant." 55 ۞ But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and 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; ill was the rain upon the warned. 58