Page 51 - Perished Nations

explained the reason for their being sent: the insolent people of Lut (as)
were to be destroyed.
(Ibrahim) said: "And what, O ye Messengers, is your errand (now)?" They
said, "We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin; To bring on, on them,
(a shower of) stones of clay (brimstone), Marked as from thy Lord for those
who trespass beyond bounds." (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 31-34)
Excepting the adherents of Lut: them we are certainly (charged) to save
(from harm) - All - Except his wife, who, We have ascertained, will be
among those who will lag behind. (Surat al-Hijr: 59-60)
After leaving Ibrahim’s (as) company, the angels, who were sent as
messengers, came to Lut (as). Not having recognised the messengers, Lut
(as) first became anxious, but then understood that they were sent by
Allah:
When Our messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account and
felt himself powerless (to protect) them. He said: "This is a distressful day."
(Surah Hud: 77)
He said: "Ye appear to be uncommon folk." They said: "Yea, we have come
to thee to accomplish that of which they doubt. We have brought to thee
that which is inevitably due, and assuredly we tell the truth. Then travel by
night with thy household, when a portion of the night (yet remains), and
do thou bring up the rear: let no one amongst you look back, but pass on
whither ye are ordered." And We made known this decree to him, that the
last remnants of those (sinners) should be cut off by the morning. (Surat al-
Hijr: 62-66)
Meanwhile, his people had learned that Lut (as) had visitors. They did
not hesitate to approach these visitors perversely as they had approached
others before. They encircled the house. Being afraid for his visitors, Lut
(as) addressed his people as follows:
Lut said: "These are my guests: disgrace me not: But fear Allah, and shame
me not." (Surat al-Hijr: 68-69)
The people of Lut retorted:
They said: "Did we not forbid thee (to speak) for all and sundry?" (Surat
al-Hijr: 70)
Thinking that he and his visitors subjected to evil treatment, Lut said:
"Would that I had power to suppress you or that I could betake myself to

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