We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. 45 He said, 'O my people, why do you seek to hasten evil before good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God? Haply so you will find mercy.' 46 They said, "We have an ill omen about you and your followers." Salih replied, God has made your ill fortune await you. You are a people on trial." 47 Now in the city there were nine persons who did corruption in the land, and put not things right; 48 They said, "Let us swear by God to do away with him and his family during the night then tell his guardian that we did not see how he and his family had been destroyed, and we shall be telling the truth." 49 So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. 50 We destroyed them and their people altogether. 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. 53 And Lut! what time he said unto his people: commit ye indecency while ye see? 54 What, do you approach men lustfully instead of women? No, you are a people that are ignorant.' 55 ۞ There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lout (Lot) from your city. Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure!" 56 We therefore rescued him and his family, except his wife; We had decreed that she is of those who will remain behind. 57 We sent to them a terrible rainstorm. How horrible was the rain for the people who had already received warning. 58