Overall meaning : Allah, Exalted and Sublime be He, says: We have sent to the tribe of Thamud their brother and their Prophet Salih. He said to them, ‘Worship none but Allah.’ But they split into two groups contending with one another: one that believed him and the other that denied him—each claiming it followed the truth and the right religion.
Salih said to the unbelieving group, ‘My people, why do you wish to hasten Allah’s punishment rather than seeking His grace and mercy? Why do you not ask Allah for forgiveness so that He may show His mercy to you?’ They said, ‘We see you and your followers as an evil omen. We are afflicted with calamities and misfortunes because of you!’ Salih said, ‘Whatever evil befalls you is from Allah because of your sins. Rather, you are being tested by your Lord with ease and hardship!’
In the city of Thamud, there was a group of nine men who did evil and nothing that was good. They said to one another, ‘Let us swear in the name of Allah to kill Salih and his family at night. Then we will say to those who have right to avenge his blood, ‘We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth!’
These men devised a scheme, but We, too, devised yet a greater scheme while they were unaware! See, then, Muhammad, the consequence of the evil scheming of Salih’s evil people. We destroyed them utterly, together with all their unbelieving people. And now their dwellings are desolate ruins because of their wrongdoing and evil deeds. Surely in this is there is a lesson and a sign that testifies to the truth for people who are aware of Allah’s power and wisdom. And We saved Salih and his fellow believers