We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh (who said): "Worship God." But they were divided into two groups disputing with one another. 45 He said: O my people! wherefore seek ye to hasten the evil before the good? Wherefore ask ye not forgiveness of Allah, that haply ye may be shewn mercy. 46 They said: We have met with ill luck on account of you and on account of those with you. He said: The cause of your evil fortune is with Allah; nay, you are a people who are tried. 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 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 Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it. 50 Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them). 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 used to ward off (evil). 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! You lustfully go towards men, leaving the women?! In fact, you are an ignorant people.” 55 ۞ But the answer of his people was no other except that they said: Turn out Lut's followers from your town; surely they are a people who would keep pure! 56 Thereupon We saved him and his household - all but his wife, whom We willed to be among those that stayed behind 57 the while We rained a rain [of destruction] upon the others: and dire is such rain upon all who let themselves be warned [to no avail] 58