To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one another. 45 Salih said, "My people, why do you commit sins so quickly before doing good? Would that you ask forgiveness from God so that perhaps He will have mercy upon you." 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 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 they devised a device, and We likewise devised a device, while they were not aware; 50 And behold the consequences of their devising! We destroyed them, and their nation altogether. 51 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. 52 And We rescued those who accepted faith and used to fear. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 Do you approach men lustfully instead of women! No, you are an ignorant nation' 55 ۞ His people had no answer but to say, "Expel Lot and his family from the town for they want to be pure." 56 So We saved him and his family, except his wife, whom We decreed should stay behind. 57 And We rained on them a rain, and evil was the rain of those who had been warned. 58