We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 Said [Salih to the erring ones]: Why do you seek to hasten the coming upon you of evil instead of hoping for the good?" Why do you not, rather, ask God to forgive you your sins, so that you might be graced with His 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 And there were in the city nine persons who made mischief in the land and reformed not. 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 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 Now see the end of their machinations: We destroyed them and their entire people. 51 So those are their houses fallen down because they were unjust, most surely there is a sign in this for a people who know. 52 And We saved those who believed and were cautious. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure." 56 So We saved him and his family except his wife who was destined to stay behind. 57 And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. 58