A Prophet Sent to a Transgressing People
Lut (peace be upon him) believed in Ibrahim and migrated with him (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:26). He was then sent as a prophet to the people of Sodom, who were engaged in grave transgressions that no people before them had committed (Surah Al-A'raf 7:80). Lut called them to abandon their wrongdoing and to be conscious of Allah, but they responded with threats to expel him (Surah Ash-Shu'ara 26:167).
Surah Al-A'raf 7:80-81
Standing Alone Against Public Sin
Lut's people did not practise their sins in secret — they committed them openly and challenged anyone who objected (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:29). When Lut tried to guide them, they said: 'Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you are among the truthful' (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:29). Lut found himself with almost no supporters. Even his own wife was among those who betrayed his trust and sided with the wrongdoers (Surah At-Tahrim 66:10).
Surah Al-Ankabut 29:29
The Angels Arrive as Guests
Allah sent angels in the form of young men to Lut's home. When his people learned of the visitors, they rushed to his door with evil intent (Surah Hud 11:78). Lut was deeply distressed and said: 'This is a distressing day' (Surah Hud 11:77). The angels revealed their identity and told him that his people's punishment was at hand — he should leave with his family during the night and not look back (Surah Hud 11:81).
Surah Hud 11:77-81
The Complete Destruction of the Cities
When dawn came, Allah turned the cities upside down and rained upon them stones of baked clay, marked and sent from your Lord (Surah Hud 11:82-83). The destruction was total. Lut and his believing family members were saved, but his wife, who had aligned herself with the wrongdoers, perished with them. The ruins remained as a sign for those who reflect (Surah Al-Hijr 15:75-77).
Surah Hud 11:82-83