We sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother Salih so that they would worship God, but they became two quarrelling groups. 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 answered: "We augur evil from thee and those that follow thee!" Said he: "Your destiny, good or evil, rests with God; yea, you are people undergoing a test!" 47 There were nine tribes in the city spreading evil without any reform in the land. 48 They said: "Let us swear by God that we will attack Saleh and his family at night, and later tell his heirs: 'We did not see his family destroyed, and we speak the truth.'" 49 They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. 50 We destroyed them and their people 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 We deliver those who believe and take heed for themselves. 53 And (remember) Lut when he said to his people, “What! You stoop to the shameful whereas you can see?” 54 "Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly." 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 for his wife; We destined her to be of those who remained behind. 57 And We rained down on them a shower (of stones). How ruinous was the rain that fell on those who had been warned (but warned in vain)! 58